Santaros Clinics receives warning after investigation into disabled access incident

Santaros Clinics has been issued a warning following an investigation into a complaint filed by a family denied entry to the clinic's premises. The incident occurred when a security guard refused to raise a barrier, preventing a car carrying a child with a broken leg from entering the facility.

According to the complaint, the parents explained the child's mobility issues due to the fracture, but were told there were no available parking spaces. The investigation found that vehicles displaying a "Person with Disabilities" sign and carrying individuals with disabilities should be granted entry upon presentation of appropriate documents, regardless of parking availability. The security guard involved cited a high visitor flow and stated it was not an emergency, though he later apologized for his actions.

Birutė Sabatauskaitė, the Equality Ombudsman, stated that the service provider failed to ensure the applicants' right to access the clinic's territory, thereby discriminating against them based on their disability. "It is regrettable that people with disabilities or those caring for them are still forced to encounter situations where their vulnerability is further increased, whether it be parking problems or inaccessible public buildings and spaces," Sabatauskaitė said in a statement.

Santaros Clinics acknowledged the violation of the Law on Equal Opportunities and has issued a warning to the security guard. The clinic informed that the guard's employment contract could be terminated if he violates work regulations again within 12 months. The clinic itself received a formal warning, and has stated it has cautioned the employee regarding future conduct.

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It is regrettable that people with disabilities or those caring for them are still forced to encounter situations where their vulnerability is further increased, whether it be parking problems or inaccessible public buildings and spaces.