Care Opinion

Text size

Theme

Language

Videos in BSL or ISL
Help with language translation
Help with reading or listening

Lack of facilities for people with a disability

Posted By Make a Difference

"Lack of facilities for people with a disability"

About: Victoria Hospital (Kirkcaldy)

(as a parent/guardian),

Having hospital appointments that span over 7 years for my special wee boy has had its stresses and strains along the way but what is so hard to comprehend is that there are still no public changing places facilities in the VHK to this day. He has ASN that requires  me to be his voice -  so why is it that his right and dignity (amongst many other disabilities - seen and unseen) are being dismissed and denied their basic human needs in a hospital setting?

Disabled parking is still not adequate and although more parking has been provided it isn't on the doorstep to meet our needs, it is at the bottom of a hill. Clearly an afterthought in design, it really must be at the forefront in future changes and not a mere tick box exercise for those without the compassion to understand the hardships it brings.

Parts of the old build are not suitable to fit a wheelchair through their doorways,  or to fit into their small appointment rooms.  This has to be said for orthotics, although the staff are amazing.  It isn't suitable for their work environment either.

A hospital appointment brings with it anxiety and dread but throw disability (seen and unseen) into the mix, well, this is heightened all the more. We need to be considered and catered for. Our lives are hard enough. Perhaps my story can't change the world and the challenges we and many others face but we can certainly share our thoughts to help raise awareness knowing that at least everyone can help change someone's world. Be that person - make a difference!


More about:
Do you have a similar story to tell? Tell your story & make a difference ››

Responses

Response from Neil McCormick, Director of Property & Asset Management, Estates & Facilities, NHS Fife 3 years ago
We are preparing to make a change
Neil McCormick
Director of Property & Asset Management, Estates & Facilities,
NHS Fife

Submitted on 22/06/2022 at 15:10
Published on Care Opinion at 16:06

Thank you Make a Difference for your story

Firstly, I am sorry to hear that you felt anxious and frustrated at your recent visit to the Victoria Hospital in relation to your experiences with the facilities.

I note that you pay tribute to the staff within Orthotics and we are grateful for this feedback.

In terms of car parking, in particular for disabled bays, it is a constant challenge that I acknowledge and would like improve.

The blue bays at the bottom of the hill have been temporarily provided to be closer to the main entrance during the pandemic (and the associated restrictions) and whilst we are building the new Orthopaedic Treatment Centre. I recognise that this is not ideal and we will move these back towards the top of the site towards the end of the year when the building work is complete.

In terms of changing facilities and access for wheelchair users in the Orthotics department, I will personally have a walk round the department to identify if anything can be done to improve access, but as you highlight, this can be more challenging in the older parts of the building,

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful
Response from Lyndsay Forbes, Mobility & Technology Manager, Appliance & Orthotics Service, NHS Fife 3 years ago
Lyndsay Forbes
Mobility & Technology Manager, Appliance & Orthotics Service,
NHS Fife

Submitted on 27/06/2022 at 16:48
Published on Care Opinion at 17:10

Dear Make a Difference,

Thank you for sharing you and your son’s experience of appointments at Orthotics. I am delighted to hear that you have found our staff amazing, I am sure they will be pleased when I share your story with them.

We are aware of the challenges around the room size in Orthotics and are actively looking into alternative accommodation. Please be assured that your comments will be taken into consideration during this process.

Thanks again for taking the time to share your story.

Best wishes,

Lyndsay

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful
Response from Isla Bumba, Equality and Human Rights Lead, Patient Relations, NHS Fife 2 years ago
Isla Bumba
Equality and Human Rights Lead, Patient Relations,
NHS Fife

Submitted on 27/07/2022 at 10:38
Published on Care Opinion at 10:40

picture of Isla Bumba

Hello Make A Difference,

Thank you for sharing your experience. In regards to the public changing facilities, I am happy to confirm I have had a look round VHK this morning and can confirm there is an adult changing facility in the main reception area. The key for this room can be obtained from the reception staff on the main reception and they can guide you to where it is. The room is equipped with a hoist, bed, toilet facilities, and PPE. I hope you find this room useful in the future.

I am glad to hear you have had a positive experience with the orthotics staff and I am happy to see my colleagues in Estates will be looking into wheelchair accessibility for you.

Best wishes,

Isla

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful

Update posted by Make a Difference (a parent/guardian)

Thank you so much for your response Isla, and my mistake as regards towards the changing facilities provided at the VHK. Unfortunately, whenever we have attended appointments at the VHK, the staff we have approached in each department have been unaware of this facility.

That's so great to hear about future wheelchair accessibility too.

Many thanks!

Opinions
Next Response j
Previous Response k