NATIONAL PATIENT ACCESSIBILITY WEEK PROMOTES ACCESSIBLE HEALTHCARE FOR ALL

Dr. Audrey Nelson, Director, Patient Safety Center of Inquiry, Tampa VA

Healthcare organizations and patient and advocacy groups around the country will come together November 1 – 7, 2008, to celebrate National Patient Accessibility Week (NPAW). NPAW is a national education and awareness-building campaign focused on the reality that healthcare providers need and are obligated by law to have accessible, barrier-free facilities for patients who have disabilities. And, NPAW also supports the need for accessible healthcare facilities for patients with other mobility concerns, including elderly and obese patients.

• VA Hospital Exterior
• Man Wheeled into Hospital
• Wheelchair Scale
• Elderly Man Assisted on Barrier-Free® Exam Table
• Accessible Lift
• Obese Person on Barrier-Free Table
• Disabled Person on Barrier-Free Table
• Disabled Person Enters Hospital

Height adjustable examination tables that are wheelchair height address the physical limitations of all patients, including the elderly, disabled, obese and expectant mothers.

Accessible scales allow a medical provider to comply with the ADA, by accurately obtaining the weight of all patients during a medical visit.