RACGP to insist on height-adjustable beds

After circulating a draft version of the 4th edition of the Standards for consultation, the RACGP says it received a lot of feedback on the issue, with many disability groups saying the beds were essential to allow patients access to care. 

 "The availability of height adjustable examination beds make a contribution to achieving equitable health outcomes and it is therefore the view of the committee that it would not be defensible for the College to not recommend height adjustable beds," the RACGP says.  However, the College emphasises that only one height  adjustable bed per practice will be required, with many practices making the bed available in a shared treatment room to ensure ready access when it is needed.

 The RACGP also says ECGs and spirometers will not be deemed 'essential equipment' for every practice under the new criteria. Feedback from the profession indicates that 'timely access' to spirometry and electrocardiogram will be sufficient.

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