Three win damages in discrimination cases
THE Equality Commission has helped win damages for three people including a man living with HIV, a fall victim and a man "humiliated" by private security staff at Belfast International Airport.
Hospital patient Tony Bell, who alleged he was discriminated against because of his HIV positive status, has received 4,000 and an apology after challenging the standard of care he received from Craigavon Area Hospital.
The case arose from the treatment received by Mr Bell when staff at the hospital refused to perform an endoscopy surgical procedure because of his HIV status.
Mr Bell underwent an alternative form of examination which was not completed until four months later.
Mr Bell said: "The denial of this procedure, and the length of time involved in my treatment created a great deal of anxiety and distress for me. It was a period that caused me great worry about the state of my health.
"Thankfully my treatment has now been completed but I wouldn't want other HIV patients to go through a similar experience."
In another case, a 62-year-old woman with lupus and osteoporosis contacted the commission after an incident at the First Trust Bank in Coleraine.
Patricia McShane attempted to enter the bank but suffered a bad fall on the steps outside. She alleged that the handrails were not in a helpful position, and that no ramp or graded access was available.
Mrs McShane sustained two fractures to her left femur and had to spend time recovering in a nursing home as she was unable to climb stairs. On returning home she had to use a walking frame and had adjustments made to her home to help with her mobility difficulties.
First Trust Bank paid Ms McShane 30,000 compensation along with legal costs and agreed to carry out adjustments to their Coleraine premises.
Mrs McShane said: "The fall has had a big impact on my day-to-day life. I am still suffering considerable pain and often feel that the accident could have been prevented. Nevertheless, I am happy the case has been settled and that First Trust's Coleraine branch has improved their entrance for disabled customers."
Another case supported by the Equality Commission was that of Paul Hamilton from Newtownards, who approached the commission after an incident at Belfast International Airport.
Mr Hamilton, who has mobility and hearing impairments, was making his way through airport security when he was asked to remove his shoes before passing through the security arch.
He explained to the security guard that he wore splints, but he was asked to remove his shoes and splints which were passed through the x-ray machine and then he had to walk through the security arch.
He found this request extremely difficult and humiliating especially at having to remove his splints in the full view of other travellers.
ICTS (UK) Ltd, the security company used by Belfast International Airport, agreed to pay Mr Hamilton 1,500 in settlement and apologised for the hurt and distress caused by his treatment.
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Sunday 12 February 2012
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