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23
May 2024
Harrogate surgery accused of discriminating against older people
A Harrogate charity for older people has raised concerns about a GP surgery making it more difficult for patients to request prescriptions.
Spa Surgery at Mowbray Square Medical Centre has sealed up letterboxes outside the surgery where patients could deposit prescriptions to encourage more people to post orders online.
It prompted 68-year-old patient Michael Burlinson to claim the move was an "egregious example of ageism', as reported by the Stray Ferret last week.
Kate Rogata, director of Supporting Older People, told the Stray Ferret the move “does feel discriminatory”.
Ms Rogata, whose organisation alleviates isolation and loneliness, said the surgery should recognise “not everyone can use the technology to order prescriptions online”, adding:
The sealed letter boxes.
Ms Rogata urged the surgery to “reverse" the move, which she described as "slightly retrograde", and “consider all means for people to request their prescriptions”.
Spa Surgery has said patients can still drop off paper requests in person at the surgery. Ms Rogata welcomed this but said she still had concerns:
‘We are sorry if there's been any confusion’
Spa Surgery said it had nothing to add to its previous statement in response to Mr Burlinson's concerns.
Practice manager Clare Hedges said at the time:
Mowbray Square Medical Centre comprises of Spa Surgery, East Parade Surgery and Park Parade Surgery under one roof.
The sealed letter boxes belong to all three practices.
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