Patient Rights of the Disabled
If you or a loved one is disabled then you also know the frustrations often faced by disabled persons on a daily basis. The frustrations range from parking spaces too far from the shopping mall entrance and being locked, to doorways too narrow for wheelchairs.
Many retail stores are simply not geared to cater for people with disabilities. Understandably many centres in South Africa are only now starting to make provisions for people with disabilities and although with good intentions, not all the facilities are suited to address the needs of disabled people.
When it comes to medical health care you however, should not be ignored, discriminated against or treated with indignity. You have exactly the same rights to freedom, safety, and dignity as other patients.
In instances where you have been treated with less dignity because of your disabilities or have not been given the proper medical facilities to ensure your safety and dignity, you have the right to complain and even to take further steps.
Should a person get to a medical facility there should be adequate provision for persons with disabilities. If not available the staff must take every step to ensure the safety of the patient and must ensure that the patient’s rights in all areas are protected just as with any other patient.
If you rights as a disabled patient have been violated contact us today to help you take the required steps to get restoration of your rights.
For more information on this subject, please give us a call at 012 460 3668 (SA) or e-mail us at clare@avdw.co.za
