- April 10, 2024
- Posted by: legaleseblogger
- Category: Related News
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## Working in an NHS Psychiatric Ward
I work in an NHS psychiatric ward where some patients have access off the ward, usually escorted by staff, for fresh air, smoking breaks, or to pop to the shop. The only shop within reasonable walking distance is an independent off-licence.
As part of my role, I have been informed by the staff who escort our patients that they are frequently treated with total contempt by the shopkeeper. There are instances where they are even refused entry. I am aware that as a private business, they have the right to deny service to individuals for any reason. However, I am wondering if the Equality Act would come into play in this situation.
Another concern that has been raised by the staff is the inconsistency in pricing at the shop. There have been instances where the same product is priced at £6 one day and £8 the next. This variation in pricing raises suspicions that they may be charging vulnerable individuals more. When this discrepancy was brought to the attention of the shopkeeper, the escorting staff were asked to leave.
According to the experienced staff on the ward, the shop has been reported to Trading Standards twice in the past with no apparent action taken. We encounter a diverse range of individuals on our ward, some of whom are truly vulnerable. Despite any past incidents that may have occurred between certain patients and the shop, it is unacceptable for all patients to be treated unfairly.
I am seeking advice on whether there is any course of action that the ward can take in this situation, considering that we are in England. Any guidance on how to address these issues would be greatly appreciated.
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****** just grabbed a
Phone 0808 223 1133 to report to the appropriate trading standards team. Misleading pricing may amount to a breach of the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008, which they enforce. Trading standards do not enforce equality legislation, however.
https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/
Might be worth passing the situation by these guys to see if they have any advice.
You can contact the Equality Advisory Service about this and they can help you make a formal complaint.
https://www.equalityadvisoryservice.com/app/ask
* Is there anything the ward can do.
No, report them again to trading standards with the dates and times and statements of staff if they ask for them.
They are free to tell anyone they are not allowed in the shop.
It’s going to be an uphill battle getting trading standards to do anything, as they are allowed to refuse service. It would be difficult to prove discrimination. If Trading standards aren’t too interested. Would it be possible to open a tuck shop on the premises? A lockable cupboard would do. I used to run one at my old office, a quick trip to bookers once a week and donated a lot of money to charity over 10 years. Started with £20
You need to report to trading standards. You can phone citizens advice and ask them to pass this information over and the fact that staff have reported this twice. Also note there is discrimination involved under the Equality Act 2010 and unfair trading/misleading prices. Really hammer it down they are taking advantage of hosptial patients.
It is time to ask staff to start logging these incidents too. So time and date and what happened and which staff. At least you have evidence for trading standards and you can at least demonstrate you need to find another shop for the patients. The patients deserve dignity and not to be discriminated.
Ask for everyone to get a receipt with their purchase.
Collect them all and you will see a pattern if it is the case of them being over charged you will see that item put in as miscellaneous. Once you have proof you can go to trading standards and some of the disability charities with the information
Might it be financial abuse and worth informing the local safeguarding team
Report them to their local council/licensing board. You’d be surprised at the amount of red tape you need to get through in order to open an off licence. Their local council and licensing board probably won’t be amused at this.