Legal action warning over couches.

Australian Doctor,  March, 2006  

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By Arjun Ramachandran

DISABLED patients are being denied access to quality GP care because few practices have adjustable examination couches in their consultation rooms, the Human Rights Commissioner has warned.

Mr Graeme Innes said anti-discrimination laws at both state and federal level could apply to situations where couches were not made available to patients with disabilities, leaving practices open to potential legal action.

A 2003 survey found almost 3000 practices did not have the couches, which cost between $1500 and $2000.

There were discussions between the ...

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