Why couldn't Emily Salter get a cervical screening?

Emily Salter, who uses a wheelchair, faced cancellations because treatment rooms lacked accessibility for her.

What did NHS England say about accessibility for disabled women?

NHS England stated that screening services must make reasonable adjustments for women with disabilities.

How many times did the woman try to get a smear test?

The woman attempted to schedule her cervical screening appointment four times, all affected by accessibility issues.

Home / Health / Wheelchair User Denied Vital Cervical Screening

Wheelchair User Denied Vital Cervical Screening

7 Jan

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Summary

A woman in a wheelchair faced multiple appointment cancellations.
Accessibility issues prevented her from entering the treatment room.
She expressed distress over not feeling safe within the NHS.

Wheelchair User Denied Vital Cervical Screening

A woman reliant on a wheelchair has shared her profound disappointment and frustration after multiple attempts to obtain a cervical screening were thwarted by accessibility issues. The 33-year-old from Preston, Lancashire, recounted how she could not even enter the treatment room for her appointments, leading her to cancel them.

She revealed this was the fourth such attempt that had been impacted by these barriers, stating her belief that the NHS should be a secure place where she could attend appointments without anxiety. Her experience highlights a significant gap in healthcare accessibility for women with disabilities.

In response, an NHS England spokesperson emphasized that screening services are mandated to implement 'reasonable adjustments' to ensure women with disabilities can access essential healthcare. This incident underscores the ongoing need for improved accessibility within healthcare facilities nationwide.