A woman who is blind claims that she was denied access to a hospital in West London when she attempted to bring her sick baby inside with her guide dog. Dr. Amy Kavanagh, a historian and activist, had accompanied her baby to the West Middlesex University Hospital. When she and her partner arrived at the hospital’s urgent care department, a security guard stated that no dogs were allowed. The couple emphasized that Ava, who is Dr. Kavanagh’s guide dog, was allowed in according to the law, and they proceeded through the entrance and to reception after other patients and staff intervened.
Dr. Kavanagh stated that she and her partner relayed that Ava was a guide dog and legally allowed access. After encountering the security guard, they walked past him and proceeded towards reception. Other hospital visitors supported them and repeated that Ava was a guide dog and had permission to be in a hospital, according to Dr. Kavanagh.
Dr. Kavanagh disclosed that her baby had acquired a viral infection and would recover with plenty of cuddles and a little Calpol. However, she mentioned that this was not the first time that she had been denied access while accompanied by her guide dog Ava. Dr. Kavanagh stated that repeatedly failing guide dog handlers such as herself while appointing security staff who are untrained to interpret the roles and access rights of assistance dogs is intolerable for the NHS.
Dr. Kavanagh stated that it was frightening and daunting for disabled people to face physically intimidating behaviour while seeking medical appointments or healthcare. According to a Guide Dogs spokesperson, too many guide dog owners are discriminated against and turned away because they have their guide dog with them. The spokesperson added that research has shown that 81% of guide dog handlers have been denied access to companies or services at some point.
The Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust stated that it would deal with the matter seriously and that their aim is to provide available facilities for everyone in the community in a safe and welcoming setting. After conducting an immediate internal review following the situation, a spokesperson had also contacted Dr. Kavanagh to apologize and guarantee that necessary action would be taken
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