The Guard

A woman says she was refused access to a west London Hospital when she tried to take her poorly baby inside for treatment, because she had a guide dog.

Historian and activist Dr Amy Kavanagh , 34, who is blind, was visiting West Middlesex University Hospital.

On arrival, however, she says a Security Guard " kept shouting 'no dogs' at me and my partner" and patients and staff had to intervene.

The NHS trust says it is " taking this incident seriously".

When The Guard at the Isleworth hospital's urgent care department tried to refuse them access, Dr Kavanagh said she and her partner " firmly replied that Ava is a guide dog and legally allowed access" before they walked past him and headed to reception.

" Luckily, other members of The Public supported us and shouted down the Security Guard , repeating that Ava is a guide dog and allowed in a hospital, " she added.

" We immediately informed The Nurse at reception who was also very supportive and went to talk to the Security Guard . "

Dr Kavanagh, who posted on X about her experience, said her baby had a viral infection and " will recover with plenty of cuddles and a bit of Calpol" but said it was not the First Time she had been refused access with her guide dog Ava.

" A late-night visit to hospital with a poorly baby is worrying enough, but being told I couldn't enter because I'm blind and a guide dog-handler was very distressing, " She Said .

" It is unacceptable for the NHS to repeatedly fail guide dog-handlers like myself by employing security staff without the appropriate training to understand The Role and access rights of assistance dogs.

" As a Blind Woman it is frightening and intimidating to be shouted at, physically blocked from entering a building or followed into a building by security staff.

" Disabled people should not have to feel anxiety about experiencing physically intimidating behaviour when trying to attend medical appointments or seeking healthcare. "

Dr Kavanagh added that it should not matter whether security staff were employed directly or by third-party contractors, because the NHS " must ensure that no guide dog-handler is At Risk of being turned away from medical care because of a lack of training and awareness".

" This could have a serious impact on the health and wellbeing of blind individuals trying to access NHS services, " she continued.

A Guide Dogs spokesperson said: " Too many guide dog-owners continue to face discrimination and are turned away because they have their guide dog with them.

" Our research shows that 81% of guide dog-owners have been refused access to a business or service at some point, and around half said they changed or restricted their plans because they were concerned they would be refused access because of their guide dog. "

A spokesperson for Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust said: " We Are taking this incident seriously, our organisation is fully committed to providing accessible services for everyone in our community, in a safe and welcoming environment. "

The spokesperson added The Trust had reached out to The Woman " to offer our sincere apologies and importantly, to ensure that appropriate action will take place following an immediate internal review".

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Source of news: bbc.com