Wales Council of the Blind

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Report highlights problems faced by older people in accessing GP services

A new report from the Bevan Foundation looks at the problems faced by older people when trying to access GP services in Wales, and highlights issues which will be familiar to people with sight loss.

Among the concerns raised are online booking systems and automatic check-in processes which are not accessible, physical access at premises, and practice staff who are unhelpful, or who over-react when faced with a vision impaired patient. This is in addition to a range of more general issues, such as the difficulty in getting an appointment. Although the NHS in Wales has standards for accessible communications, it seems that these are not always being followed.

You can find out more and read 'Access to GP Services by Older People', which has recommendations for improvement, on the Bevan Foundation website.