Melksham couple urges local practice to improve access for disabled patients
A couple from Melksham has urged their local practice to improve access facilities for disabled patients.
John and Rosemary Croft recently switched to the town’s Regency Practice, after their previous surgery, The White Horse Dental Practice, ceased to provide NHS treatment. When they visited the clinic for the first time, John and Rosemary found it incredibly difficult to get through the door, as John uses a wheelchair. Mr Croft, 70, suffered a severe stroke last year, and has been using a wheelchair since. Mrs Croft suggested that the practice isn’t compliant with disability access guidelines, and said that the narrow door was completely unsuitable for wheelchair users.
When trying to get into the surgery for the first time, John was forced to get out of his chair and try and walk, but he was unable to lift his leg high enough to get over the step, and the door was too narrow for Rosemary to support him while he stood. Having struggled to make any progress, John fell back into his chair, feeling frustrated and distressed. The reception staff had seen the couple struggling, but didn’t step in to help, according to Mrs Croft.
When asked about the access problems, the receptionists said there hadn’t been any issues before and added that planning permission had not been granted for a wider door.
In light of the situation, practice manager, Zoe Britton apologised profusely to the couple and added that a survey had been completed and recommendations made to improve access. As the property is grade 2 listed, the changes that can be made are limited, but the practice is now taking steps to ensure patients who use wheelchairs do not experience similar problems. Ms Britton also offered the couple the opportunity to book an appointment at the surgery’s sister practice in Chippenham, which has better access facilities. Feedback has also been given to the reception staff.
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