Moorfields Eye Hospital 2020-12-08 Person 1 5 0

NHS Patients expected to provide private doctor’s letters as evidence of a disability/medical condition After raising a query, Moorfield’s confirmed in writing that NHS patients are expected to provide “evidence” of a medical condition or disability if unable to wear a mask. The hospital has not published this policy – which is in conflict with govt guidelines- so patients have no prior warning before being turned away from appointments. The hospital has not specified exactly what kind of evidence it is demanding, but since the NHS announced publicly that it will not issue exemption letters, this would have to be a letter from a private doctor at the patient’s own cost. The government guidelines (as published on gov.uk) state: “Those who have an age, health or disability reason to not wear a face covering should not be asked to provide any written evidence of this. Written evidence includes exemption cards.” I had to pay £120 for a letter from a private doctor to enable me to enter an NHS hospital that is treating me for a tumor behind my eye which causes seizures that mean my breathing must be unobstructed at all times. The hospital itself therefore holds evidence of my disability but apparently that is not sufficient proof. Absolute clown world. Not only is Moorfield's breaching the givernment guidelines, it is breaching the Equality Act 2010. Perhaps Moorfields would like to give us all yellow stars.