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Criterion 5.1.3 - Physical access

Our practice provides appropriate physical access to our premises and services including access for people with disabilities.

Explanation

Consumer representatives have informed the RACGP that 'access' to the general practice facilities and services is of high importance to patients. Practices need to make all reasonable efforts to facilitate physical access to their premises and services.

When considering what is 'reasonable', practices need to consider the needs of patients with a disability. For example, it is useful to make wheelchair access available for disabled patients (ie. to access reception, waiting areas, consultation and examination areas, toilets) and the practice can usefully be equipped with ramps, railings, and accessible toilets to assist patients with disabilities. Patients with a disability need to be able to park their vehicles within a reasonable distance to allow them to access the practice.

The RACGP has been involved in an ongoing discussion with the disability sector and the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC) with respect to improving access to high quality general practice for people with a disability. The HREOC has expressed concern that general practices may not be complying with the Disability Discrimination Act if they cannot provide effective access to height adjustable beds for people with a disability when required. People with disability are concerned that the issue be addressed in general practice, where most of their care occurs (despite being aware that the problem also arises in consultant specialists’ rooms and other health services).

The disability sector has had experts review the height adjustable beds available on the market to ensure they meet the needs of people with disabilities. Simple, functional specifications for appropriate beds are available on the RACGP website at www.racgp.org.au/standards/513.

The RACGP continues to endeavour to ensure that affordable height adjustable beds are available in the market.

It is recommended that practices refer to the Australian standards regarding access to buildings for people with disabilities to help inform appropriate design for practices being built or undergoing renovations. These standards can be accessed through Standards Australia at www.standards.com.au.

The practice may take a range of steps to assist patients with a disability, such as having signage that is pictorial in nature rather than text (for patients with an intellectual disability); accessible pathways from the door to reception and to consultation rooms that are wide enough for patients in wheelchairs; and a unisex wheelchair accessible toilet for patients with disabilities. General practitioners and staff need to consider the ways in which they can help facilitate access to the practice and its services for patients.

For more information relating to the Federal Disability Discrimination Act (1992) and legislation regarding the right to access general practices, the website www.hreoc.gov.au is recommended.

This criterion and indicators are not applicable for after hours care services that provide visit only care.

Indicators

1. There is wheelchair access to our practice and its facilities (direct observation), OR if physical access is limited, our practice provides home or other visits to patients with disabilities (interview).
2. There is adequate parking within a reasonable distance from our practice (direct observation).
3. Our GP(s) and staff can describe how they facilitate access to our practice for patients with disabilities (interview).
4. Our practice has a height adjustable bed.

Publication Date: 18 July 2007
Authorised By: Standards