Taxi Drivers & Wheelchairs

[mrs_overall]

An elderly relative has just arrived home in a taxi from a hosital appointment. She can only walk a few paces and had been wheeled to the hospital entrance to wait for her taxi. The taxi driver parked about 25 yards from the entrance and refused to push her in the (hospital) wheelchair, saying it wasn't part of his job. The poor old dear struggled gamely to the taxi but fell over en route and gashed both knees. I am livid but before I put my complaints hat on I need to know if he has a legal or a moral responsibility regarding wheelchairs.

[smart1]

I'm pretty sure that it is not in his remit to push people in wheelchairs - "health & Safety" again - if anything happened to her while he was pushing her, he'd be (or his firm) held responsible I think.

[woofgang]

moral....well that's unanswerable. Legal? No and not only that but if he helps someone and hurts them, he might get trouble for that. having said that, what a miserable git. BUT why does this lady not go with someone to hospital?

[EcclesCake]

I would be livid too!

You might need to take a step back though. Was the taxi booked by the hospital, in which case perhaps the hospital has an obligation to see their patients off the premises in an appropriate manner. You might want to check what the local council says on it's website too regarding what a taxi driver can and cannot be reasonably expected to do.

Forewarned is forearmed.

[johnk]

Drivers of all taxis, buses etc are bound by regulations to protect them from litigation, perhaps if we weren't such a compo culture they would be more willing to help. (I don't drive a taxi)

[mrs_overall]

Thanks for your answers

Woof - she is very independent (at 87) and hadn't told anyone she had this appointment which is why no one went with her

Eccles - the receptionist rang for the taxi on her behalf

[mrs_overall]

She is with me now and when I asked why she hadnt asked for Patient Transport she said "That's for old people" rofl

[vodkancoke]

I'm surprised a porter at the hospital didn't wheel her onto the taxi. Poor woman. :(

[Booldawg]

you'll need to find out from your district council who license taxi drivers. They will no doubt have a policy in place with what their obligation is regarding disabled passengers.

[mrs_overall]

I'll have a look at the council website soon.
Bless her...she doesnt want to make a fuss.
I bloody well do!

[EcclesCake]

If the receptionist booked on your realtives behalf then I suppose the hospital has no obligation (fortunately I don't know how hospital transport works today). I would still look at the council website regarding what assistance a physically impaired person should reasonably expect in terms of assistance from a taxi driver. All our taxis have to be wheelchair friendly, presumably that extends to the drivers too!

[naomi24]

Ahhh, poor lady. That's awful! I doubt he has a legal obligation, but if he's any sort of human being he certainly has a moral one.

[factor-fiction]

Poor old 'health and safety' often gets the blame-or is used as an excuse- in cases loke this, but the real issue is fear of litigation

[albaqwerty]

My first thought is the receptionist who booked the taxi. The receiptionist should have mentioned to the taxi firm that she would be being discharged in a wheelchair but the taxi did not require to have wheelchair access.
IMO, the porter should have wheeled her to the taxi and helped her in.

Hope she is better soon.

[LochNessMonster]

He is only responsible for her if neglect took place in his cab.

Glad to help you Mrs O !

Nessie TLNM

[mrs_overall]

Ta all xx

[daffy654]

This is the receptionist's fault, she should have told the taxi firm that the customer was in a wheelchair, the drivers of the wheelchair vehicles are used to helping people in and out of the taxi.

[mrs_overall]

I wouldnt mind but she is Mr O's relative, not mine!
(She's a sweetie.....and l think I am mentioned in the will lol)