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In collaboration with Boston’s disability community and the Boston Center for Independent Living (BCIL), Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) and Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) have begun a comprehensive and landmark effort to improve access and care for people with disabilities. The collaboration is comprehensive in scope and includes an assessment of the hospital facilities and services and identifies steps to be taken to further improve care. These activities will include:
- Removing architectural barriers in hospitals, off hospital campus physicians’ offices and health centers (including exam rooms, patient rooms, treatment rooms, waiting areas, gift shops, and parking areas);
- Purchasing additional medical equipment and devices which are accessible for people with disabilities (including wheelchair scales; power adjustable exam tables; power door openers; accessible mammography);
- Modifying hospital policies and procedures which address issues related to the care of people with disabilities;
- Developing a training program for all staff including physicians, nurses and support staff who interact with patients and visitors.
BWH President Gary Gottlieb, MD, MBA (second from right) said the initiative “... is intended to go well beyond providing ramps and eliminating architectural barriers. It is designed to build a stronger partnership between health care providers and patients with disabilities, and help to fundamentally change the culture of access and care for people with disabilities.”
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