Imagine being denied a potentially life-saving medical test four times, not because of a lack of need, but because the facilities simply weren't accessible. This is the heartbreaking reality for many women with disabilities, like Emily Salter, who rely on wheelchairs for mobility.
Emily, a 33-year-old from Preston, Lancashire, has been trying to schedule a cervical screening, commonly known as a smear test, for years. After a devastating fall from a 9-meter cliff seven years ago left her unable to walk, she's faced a new battle: accessing basic healthcare. Despite her proactive approach – always mentioning her wheelchair use during phone calls – she's encountered a frustrating pattern of cancelled appointments due to accessibility issues. Steps leading into buildings, examination rooms too small to accommodate her wheelchair, and even a last-minute cancellation due to inaccessibility have left her feeling defeated.
"I thought the NHS would be a safe place for me to go without having to worry or panic beforehand," Emily shared, her frustration palpable. Unfortunately, her experience isn't unique. A survey by the Spinal Injuries Association revealed a shocking statistic: two-thirds of women with physical disabilities have been unable to attend a smear test appointment, with accessibility issues being the primary culprit for nearly half of them.
But here's where it gets controversial: Dharshana Sridhar, campaigns manager at the Spinal Injuries Association, points out that many of these barriers are entirely preventable. "The system is not made for women's health to start with," she argues, "and it's even worse for women with disabilities. We're talking about basic things like height-adjustable examination beds – solutions that have been available for decades but haven't been implemented."
The NHS, while acknowledging the issue, emphasizes that screening services are "expected to make reasonable adjustments" for women with disabilities. This includes providing suitable facilities and access to specialist equipment. They also highlight the role of local screening teams in offering practical support, such as longer appointments at accessible sites and alternative clinic options.
And this is the part most people miss: While these measures are a step in the right direction, they often rely on individual advocacy and persistence. Emily, like many others, has reached a breaking point. "I've given up," she admits. "I don't know what more I can do to access these services."
The emotional toll of this struggle is undeniable. "I just think it's very sad that we're put in a position where we feel bad about ourselves because we can't access the healthcare," Emily reflects. Her gratitude for the NHS's role in her recovery after her accident is evident, but the current situation leaves her feeling vulnerable. "Life doesn't end when you have a spinal cord injury," she asserts, "but I want my life to continue, and if I can't have these checks for cancer, they're not going to be able to catch it quick enough."
Sally Jones, from Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, shares a similar story. Paralysed from the waist down after a motorbike accident, she faces the added worry of a family history of abnormal cells. The inability to access a smear test leaves her feeling anxious and vulnerable. She recounts the humiliation of having to receive her coronavirus vaccination outside due to inaccessible facilities, highlighting the constant battle for equal access. "It's a battle," Sally says. "You've got to be proactive, you've got to row your own boat, and you've got to keep on nagging to be heard."
These stories raise important questions: Why are basic healthcare services still inaccessible to a significant portion of the population? What more can be done to ensure that 'reasonable adjustments' become the norm, not the exception? And how can we create a healthcare system that truly prioritizes the needs of all women, regardless of their physical abilities? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
