Feedback Centre

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Healthwatch is committed to providing a transparent and honest view of health and social care services. This is your opportunity as the health or social care provider to have your say on comments the public have left. It is designed to be constructive and allow both sides to have a fair and equal say in the matter so please:

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Original Feedback for St Stephen's Gate Medical Practice:

1

Lack of Autism awareness

I phoned this morning to book an emergency appointment for a chest infection, only to be told (via text message) to attend the walk in centre. I contacted the survey back (number 30 in the queue this time) and explained that I would not be able to attend the walk in centre as it would be too overwhelming for me. I was told by the receptionist that once the text message has been sent that is the final decision and no leeway will be given. I had to remind the receptionist that the latest data shows that 63% of autistic adults will not attend primary care services, with 78% stating this is due to difficulties communicating with the practise. Of those 60% will be told they should have attended earlier. Autistic adults die on average 16 years earlier than other adults. I asked that in the future I would not be sent a text message as this is not an accessible form of communication for me and acts as a barrier to me accessing healthcate, which I believe is a reasonable adjustment under the disabilities act. However I was told in no uncertain terms that this was not possible and was advised to complain to the practise manager should I wish to complain about the new system. Whilst I appreciate that the surgery is under resourced I do not feel fobbing clients off to the already overstretched walk in centre to be an appropriate response. I am aldot confused as to why the surgery has chosen to take steps that directly discriminate against those with communication difficulties.