A NEW study has highlighted work that still needs doing to make GP practices in the Slough borough more easily accessible to disabled patients.

Independent organization Healthwatch Slough carried out the investigation into 17 different practices across the town and its surrounding areas.

Of the GP practices visited, Langley Health Centre and Orchard Practice performed particularly well. Each practice was marked on 20 different criteria measuring accessibility with the Orchard Practice receiving full marks. Langley Health Centre only had one failing, which was a high counter making it difficult for those in wheelchairs to see the receptionist.

The worse performing of all the surgeries was Cippenham Surgery which is located on Bath Road. The practice failed in 11 areas, with the report highlighting obstacles blocking the route from the entrance into the surgery, a lack of disabled parking and no hygiene products available at a suitable height for disabled patients.

Cippenham Surgery practice manager Mohammed Anis said: “We do have a list of all disabled patients. They are flagged up when they make their appointments and we’re aware of when they are coming into the practice.

“I believe it is unfair how they have published the report. As far as I am aware, they visited for just five minutes and somehow managed to come up with these findings.”

Almost 10 per cent of residents in the borough between the ages of 16 to 64 have reported living with a physical disability and over 1,350 people are said to be living with a severe mental health problem. Of Slough’s elderly population, four per cent of residents in the borough over the age of 65 are recorded as living with dementia.

The full report into accessibility in local GP Surgeries can be found here: http://www.healthwatchslough.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Slough-Accessible-and-Inclusive-FINAL.pdf