WesternU Medical Center Continues to Set Precedent by Addressing the Needs of the Entire Community
A growing number of private and public disability discrimination cases
have been successfully filed over the past ten years. Individuals with
disabilities and the disability community have become increasingly public
and diligent in asserting their civil rights to equal access,
specifically, requiring the courts to enforce ADA requirements in the
health care field.
In an effort to be accessible to every patient, regardless of disability
or activity limitations, the Western University Medical Center uses two
height adjustable patient exam tables.
“”We are grateful to have two of our rooms equipped with the height
adjustable exam tables, said Jim Elliot, chief administrative officer for
the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific (COMP). “”Many of the
medical center’s practice are patients with chronic medical conditions or
mobility impairments who can benefit from these tables.””
The exam tables lower to 18 inches from the floor, making it easier for
patients to get on the table and eliminating excess strain on patients,
as well as the excess risk of injury for the physicians and staff. After
a patient is on the table, it can be raised to 37 inches; giving these
tables the absolute lowest and highest height combination available in
today’s market.
This electronically powered, height adjustable table allows more patients
to transfer with little or no staff assistance. It also ensures that the
Center is more equipped to accommodate the elderly, expectant mothers and
patients with disabilities, easily and efficiently.
“”From a routine physical exam, to a gynecological exam, these tables are
fully equipped with all the attachments, movements and accessories
available,”” said Elliot. “”While many emergency room and larger
facilities provide services to reach persons with disabilities and other
activity limitations, a lot of family medicine primary care practices do
not. That makes it more difficult for people with disabilities, who
simply have a cold, or just need a routine check up to go to their
Primary Care Physician.””
Earlier this year, the Medical Center moved into a new location located
at 887 E. Second St., just east of Towne Avenue, in Pomona and added a
ramp to ensure access for all patients and staff who are not able to
negotiate the steps.
The Medical Center, which boasts more than 12,000 patient encounters per
year (many of the patients do not have health insurance), offers
ambulatory, primary health care services to families in the Pomona area.
Medical students, physician assistants, pharmacy students and graduate
nurses from WesternU serve in rotations through the Center giving them
opportunities to work with patients.
For more information on the tax incentives offered for providing
accessible medical equipment like these exam tables, please contact the
Center for Disability Issues and the Health Professions (CDIHP) at
WesternU by calling (909) 469-6116 or visit www.cdihp.org .
