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Ewell Road
Surbiton Health Centre under fire as disabled patients brand site an 'assault course'
The multi-million pound Surbiton Health Centre is facing yet more criticism from unhappy patients – this time over inadequate disabled access.
Disability groups have accused developers of failing to listen to their advice before the centre opened, with one patient branding the site an “assault course” for visually-impaired people. The shortcomings – outlined in a report due to be heard by Kingston councillors next month – include: l Inadequate signs for visually impaired patients.
In February, a group of disability campaigners was shown around the centre shortly before it opened. Their findings form the basis of an access report going to Kingston Council’s health and overview panel in September.
Among the group was Councillor Mary Heathcote, the deputy chairman of the health overview scrutiny committee, who is registered blind. Theo Harris, chief executive of Kingston Centre for Independent Living, was also part of the group. The criticism caps a difficult first six months for Surbiton Health Centre. No sooner had the building opened on March 4 than staff had to apologise for problems with the new phone system, which made it almost impossible for patients to get through. Then in May, parents at the adjacent Lime Tree Primary School launched a petition to move a needle exchange for drug addicts away from the centre, which they claimed was opened without their knowledge. The centre is managed by the South West London Health Partnership, which has yet to comment.
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Comments
I have visited the new Centre twice to take family for X-rays. Although the Centre is very impressive and parking good, there are one or two things that should be improved.
The signs when you enter the Centre are very small and hard to see. I have yet to find a sign indicating where the X-ray Dept is. Unfortunately two of the reception staff I have had to speak to to ask directions were not very helpful and could be considered rude. Perhaps they are fed up with having to direct people due to the poor signs. It is a shame that the first thing you encounter when entering the building is rude staff. Not a good start.
When you eventually find the X-ray Dept there is no desk to report to so you just have to hang about in the hope you are in the right place. While I was waiting, other people turned up who were just as confused. This is not the fault of the X-ray staff who were very helpful and friendly.
This is easy to fix. Increase the number and size of the signs. Retrain the staff in customer service and kindness.
Thank you.
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