In a quest to monitor his health, Dave Eastham found himself at a scrapyard in north Manchester, seeking an unconventional solution to weigh himself. The 30-year-old wheelchair user, who has been navigating life with a spinal injury since a traffic accident a decade ago, was determined to track his fitness progress during a Covid-induced exercise regime.
Eastham’s journey to find accessible scales was fraught with challenges. After numerous unsuccessful attempts to locate suitable facilities at hospitals and veterinary clinics, he humorously attempted to use scales at a local pet store, only to be thwarted again. With traditional options exhausted, Eastham took matters into his own hands, approaching a local scrapyard to use their industrial scales.
The Broader Issue of Accessibility
The experience, Eastham admits, was “degrading,” highlighting a broader issue faced by disabled individuals across the UK. The lack of accessible weighing scales has recently gained attention, especially after a similar incident involving wheelchair user Sarah Rennie, who was advised by her NHS trust to use scales designed for animals. Rennie described the experience as “dehumanising,” prompting an apology from the trust.
Rennie commented, “It just shows how hard it is now to exist with accessibility needs. There are serious consequences to overlooking something as basic as access to understanding changes to your body.”
Expert Opinions and Health Implications
Dr. Hannah Barham-Brown, a GP and disability advocate, expressed her dismay at the situation, although she was “sadly not entirely surprised.” She emphasized the importance of accurate weight measurements for various medical reasons, including proper medication dosages and treatment eligibility.
“These scales certainly aren’t widely available, which is a travesty and means wheelchair users face unnecessary health inequalities,” Dr. Barham-Brown stated.
She also pointed out similar accessibility issues with hoists in GP practices, which prevent hoist-dependent wheelchair users from undergoing routine screenings and examinations.
Responses from Health Organizations
An NHS spokesperson responded, “We expect NHS organizations to provide reasonable adjustments for patients to ensure equitable access to services, including access to weighing equipment.” Despite these expectations, the reality for many disabled individuals remains challenging.
Gary Dawson from the Spinal Injuries Association described experiences like those of Eastham and Rennie as “unacceptable and humiliating.” He noted that the scarcity of accessible scales forces some individuals to use scrapyards, garages, and equestrian centers to weigh themselves.
Community Efforts and Advocacy
Efforts to address these issues are ongoing. Neeru Naik from Muscular Dystrophy UK reported receiving multiple calls about the lack of suitable weighing equipment in hospitals. Community-driven initiatives, like Andy Wood’s sponsored wheelchair walk in York, have raised funds for accessible scales, providing significant benefits to local residents.
Eastham, who now works at a spinal injuries center, has regular access to weighing facilities but acknowledges that many others are not as fortunate. He advocates for accessible scales to be available to all wheelchair users locally, emphasizing the importance of self-monitoring for health and motivation.
“Everyone likes to look after themselves. If you can weigh yourself, it can help get you into stuff like sports and keep you motivated,” Eastham concluded. “It’s about that self-pride.”
The need for accessible weighing options remains a pressing issue, highlighting the ongoing struggle for equality in healthcare access for disabled individuals across the UK.
