§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his policy on the rights of access to national health service premises of(a) blind patients with guide dogs and (b) patients who suffer from other physical disabilities; and what guidance he has issued or proposes to issue on this question of access.
§ Mr. Stewart[holding answer 24 February 1993]: The Government's policy is that suitable access and facilities should be provided for disabled people who have problems of mobility or orientation. This includes those who are wheelchair bound and those who are blind. Such measures are inevitably constrained by practical considerations; eg in relation to the adaptability of existing accommodation. It covers patients, staff and visitors. This policy is reflected in general and specific terms in the hospital planning guidance notes prepared by the Management Executive and published by HMSO.