Equality Act and Rail Staff.

[Richard1960]

As a member of the public with a protected characteristic under the 2010 equality act I wonder if rail staff are given adequate training.

On Thursday day my train was terminated one stop early fair enough was told the next train would go through , and as I missed my connection they would order a taxi in a city location (next stop) to take me home.

All of a sudden they changed their mind and told me to go to another platform they would order one there ,told me one would be there in 20-25 mins , 70 mins later was still sitting on the platform without any explanation at all.

I had a panic attack and asked for an or for them for an ambulance or to find me a local premier inn.

They did not do this but told me about their rights instead obviously I though I might collapse as had happened before , so was quite faint they then threatened to call the police and did not I wish they had as I was at my wits end.

Have had to get on to the equalities commission for advice which they gave me altogether disgusting in 2017.

They did not seem to realise I was in distress at all.

 

[Iskra]

That's poor. Have you raised this with the TOC in question?

 

[Richard1960]

That's poor. Have you raised this with the TOC in question?

Yes and the equalities commission have told me to get back to them if not resolved.

 

[AlterEgo]

They threatened to call the police?

Please tell us the full story.

 

[Richard1960]

They threatened to call the police?

Please tell us the full story.

I was having a panic attack which I have been being treated for 17 years and was in distress and I begged them to call the NHS I needed to get away to recover ,there were two of them and one of me if they had felt threatened which they were not they should have done what they said they would .

After waiting for a taxi they said would be here in 20-25 mins but was not after 80 mins without anybody approaching me to say why

I don't need wise guys answers with respect just need to know what training in the equality act are given to staff with respect.

Why should I put my medical history on a public forum bar this as it made me quite angry.

 

[Darandio]

I don't need wise guys answers

To be fair, i'm not seeing that. :?

 

[Richard1960]

To be fair, i'm not seeing that. :?

What are you not seeing the equalities comission say I am covered by the 2010 act that my own GP is willing to write too.

That is the problem here we are told mental health is being taken seriously two replies on here would indicate otherwise on the rail:cry:

I have specifically asked what training is given not one reply on that yet.!

 

[Darandio]

What are you not seeing the equalities comission say I am covered by the 2010 act that my own GP is willing to write too.

That is the problem here we are told mental health is being taken seriously two replies on here would indicate otherwise on the rail:cry:

I have specifically asked what training is given not one reply on that yet.!

To be clear, I thought you meant wise guy answers in this thread.

 

[Qwerty133]

The vast majority of panic attacks do not require the assistance of overworked NHS staff and the TOC probably has a policy over when they are permitted to phone an ambulance, by saying you either needed an ambulance or a hotel room you admitted you didn't need an ambulance.

 

[Richard1960]

To be clear, I thought you meant wise guy answers in this thread.

Sorry no I am more concerned with the training rail staff get on the Equality Act,as it applies to services too.

 

[Agent_c]

The vast majority of panic attacks do not require the assistance of overworked NHS staff and the TOC probably has a policy over when they are permitted to phone an ambulance, by saying you either needed an ambulance or a hotel room you admitted you didn't need an ambulance.

The ambulance policy should be in any organisation "If you think someone needs an ambulance, phone a bloody ambulance. Why are you still reading this?"

 

[Richard1960]

The vast majority of panic attacks do not require the assistance of overworked NHS staff and the TOC probably has a policy over when they are permitted to phone an ambulance, by saying you either needed an ambulance or a hotel room you admitted you didn't need an ambulance.

I am also an NHS member of staff who suffers with a disability so don't need lectures on overworked NHS staff.!

If you suffered from said attacks you would know how debilitating they are and the fear of collapse, I was hospitalised once when I had one

For the third time of asking what training do rail staff get on the equality act.

 

[dk1]

As a long time member of rail staff I have just googled Equality Act as had no idea what it was.

 

[AlterEgo]

I was having a panic attack which I have been being treated for 17 years and was in distress and I begged them to call the NHS I needed to get away to recover ,there were two of them and one of me if they had felt threatened which they were not they should have done what they said they would .

After waiting for a taxi they said would be here in 20-25 mins but was not after 80 mins without anybody approaching me to say why

I don't need wise guys answers with respect just need to know what training in the equality act are given to staff with respect.

Why should I put my medical history on a public forum bar this as it made me quite angry.

Why did they feel threatened? Did you say or do anything? Did you get frustrated or act in a way which might have made them feel this?

Refusing an ambulance and threatening to call the police are pretty unusual and I'm sure we don't have the full details here to pass judgement.

Re the Equality Act, they have to treat you fairly an equitably and not discriminate against you, as well as make reasonable adjustments for you. Reasonable adjustments don't include getting you a Premier Inn if other passengers aren't being so accommodated however. At my TOC there was training to recognise disabilities.

 

[Richard1960]

As a long time member of rail staff I have just googled Equality Act as had no idea what it was.

Thanks dk1 its protects people with certain mental health conditions and service providers.

 

[Richard1960]

Why did they feel threatened? Did you say or do anything? Did you get frustrated or act in a way which might have made them feel this?

Refusing an ambulance and threatening to call the police are pretty unusual and I'm sure we don't have the full details here to pass judgement.

Re the Equality Act, they have to treat you fairly an equitably and not discriminate against you, as well as make reasonable adjustments for you. Reasonable adjustments don't include getting you a Premier Inn if other passengers aren't being so accommodated however. At my TOC there was training to recognise disabilities.

I did not ask them to pay for the premier inn however the cab fare was £154 and a premier inn would have been cheaper.

Also I was low on sugar having been stuck at the station for hours longer then excpected which could also have been part of the problem , having collapsed before I was in panic.

 

[Suraggu]

An ambulance or a hotel for a panic attack?
Am I reading this right?

If you have been getting treatment for panic attacks surely your doctors have trained you in how to deal with this yourself if no one is able to help?

 

[Richard1960]

An ambulance or a hotel for a panic attack?
Am I reading this right?

If you have been getting treatment for panic attacks surely your doctors have trained you in how to deal with this yourself if no one is able to help?

Yes and I am also on high doses of medication for as well it was the actions of rail staff which made the matter worse non caring does not cover it.

In public areas the equalities act covers who should help.

Also I had run out of sweet stuff for type two diabetes which I intended to buy after running out on the platform.

 

[Richard1960]

Seems from the answers no traning is given to rail staff.

Shortcut to: https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/en/equality-act/protected-characteristics

A person has a disability if she or he has a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on that person's ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.

 

[AlterEgo]

Panic attacks can be debilitating. Mrs AlterEgo has suffered from them terribly over the past year (she also has anxiety seizures) and has only just resumed work after a year off. So, I can sympathise with the OP.

Sadly many disabilities are invisible and not obvious to staff, who are not trained to medically diagnose you but rather to simply "be aware".

Nonetheless, I remain surprised at the report of an ambulance being denied and police attendance being threatened. It might be worth reflecting on why this might have been.

 

[Richard1960]

Panic attacks can be debilitating. Mrs AlterEgo has suffered from them terribly over the past year (she also has anxiety seizures) and has only just resumed work after a year off. So, I can sympathise with the OP.

Sadly many disabilities are invisible and not obvious to staff, who are not trained to medically diagnose you but rather to simply "be aware".

Nonetheless, I remain surprised at the report of an ambulance being denied and police attendance being threatened. It might be worth reflecting on why this might have been.

Yes thanks and I also have had anxiety seizures which is why I was hospitalised before.

I have reflected on why police attendance was threatened but if they had felt really threatened they would have done it.

Hopefully an enquirey will find out why what happened did if its of any relevance there were two people on duty one a young lad in his 20s seemed to be doing the talking he had an older guy with him who simply kept quite between the two of them sitting in an office they were no help.

Promising me a cab in 20-25 mins and after and hour a and ten mins I was still there with NO explanation of the delay at all , in fact no communication as to why ,hopefully an enquirey will also dicscover why they did not keep me informed and just sitting there.

My sympathies go out to Mrs Alter Ego too.:cry:

 

[syorksdeano]

I'm struggling to see what discrimination has occurred, unless I have missed some posts somewhere. Can you explain why you feel discriminated? From what has been posted I am struggling to find a link.

For a case of discrimination under the act that you have said you have to be able to prove certain factors.

Direct Discrimination which is treating someone with a protected characteristic less favourably than others - I can't see where this has occurred as they offered to get you a taxi. I understand that nothing arrived after 80 minutes but apart from constantly contacting the taxi company it was out of their hands.

Indirect Discrimination by putting rules or arrangements in place that apply to everyone, but that put someone with a protected characteristic at an unfair disadvantage - Again I can't see any indirect discrimination as they have done or offered something that they would offer anyone.

Harassment. Unwanted behaviour linked to a protected characteristic that violates someone’s dignity or creates an offensive environment for them - Again I can't see any harassment from what has been said.

VIctimisation by treating someone unfairly because they’ve complained about discrimination or harassment - well you haven't been victimised by complaining as you've not made the complaint yet.

I'm only a bog standard customer and have no knowledge of the ins and outs of what training is given.

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[Richard1960]

I'm struggling to see what discrimination has occurred, unless I have missed some posts somewhere. Can you explain why you feel discriminated? From what has been posted I am struggling to find a link.

For a case of discrimination under the act that you have said you have to be able to prove certain factors.

Direct Discrimination which is treating someone with a protected characteristic less favourably than others - I can't see where this has occurred as they offered to get you a taxi. I understand that nothing arrived after 80 minutes but apart from constantly contacting the taxi company it was out of their hands.

Indirect Discrimination by putting rules or arrangements in place that apply to everyone, but that put someone with a protected characteristic at an unfair disadvantage - Again I can't see any indirect discrimination as they have done or offered something that they would offer anyone.

Harassment. Unwanted behaviour linked to a protected characteristic that violates someone’s dignity or creates an offensive environment for them - Again I can't see any harassment from what has been said.

VIctimisation by treating someone unfairly because they’ve complained about discrimination or harassment - well you haven't been victimised by complaining as you've not made the complaint yet.

I'm only a bog standard customer and have no knowledge of the ins and outs of what training is given, but expecting a Premier Inn for a panic attack...seriously?

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If suffering from panic attack a premier inn would have given me a quite place to recover not a railway platform can you please understand that no.When I am ill I know which help I need at the time I need it I have ben trained to recognise it.

I was willing to pay and as the train company paid out £154 for the cab which is cheaper?

The equalities commission say I have a case for harassment as no help was offered when asked for and it was embarrassing and in a public place (covered by dignity).

A complaint has gone in which is why I have not named the company or location.

And also as a diabetes type two sufferer as I had run out of sweet stuff I felt I could collapse,the delay in them getting a cab was no help either as in this era of communication not once did they approach me with an explanation at least Mr AlterEgo seems to understand.

 

[route:oxford]

If suffering from panic attack a premier inn would have given me a quite place to recover not a railway platform can you please understand that no.When I am ill I know which help I need at the time I need it I have ben trained to recognise it.

I don't understand, no.

There is a massive difference between demanding an ambulance and demanding a hotel room.

I'm also unsure why you are fearful of the police. They are generally trained as first-responders and could also have blue-lighted you to a hospital for admission where appropriate.

Overall it sounds like you were acting bizarrely as a combination of your impairments. Given that there was no blood, obvious injury and there was no loss of conciousness the police were the best option in the circumstances.

You were treated equally to someone without impairments who was acting oddly.

 

[Richard1960]

I don't understand, no.

There is a massive difference between demanding an ambulance and demanding a hotel room.

I'm also unsure why you are fearful of the police. They are generally trained as first-responders and could also have blue-lighted you to a hospital for admission where appropriate.

Overall it sounds like you were acting bizarrely as a combination of your impairments. Given that there was no blood, obvious injury and there was no loss of conciousness the police were the best option in the circumstances.

You were treated equally to someone without impairments who was acting oddly.

You have not been reading the posts have you I begged them to call the police , and am not fearful of them at all.!

I demanded nothing I asked and was given no help.

I would read the equality act yourself before you reply with respect , some of the answers have bordered on complete ignorance , seems we still have a way to go on mental health issues.:cry::cry:

 

[Suraggu]

Yes and I am also on high doses of medication as well it was the actions of rail staff which made the matter worse non caring does not cover it.

Did you make it clear to the rail staff. The equality act would have covered everyone waiting and the railway has an obligation to get you to your destination. That's it. They have not brought prejudice against you because of your medical condition.
It seems a mountain being made out of a molehill applies here.

 

[Richard1960]

Did you make it clear to the rail staff. The equality act would have covered everyone waiting and the railway has an obligation to get you to your destination. That's it. They have not brought prejudice against you because of your medical condition.
It seems a mountain being made out of a molehill applies here.

Actually I asked what training is given to rail staff on the equalities act and so far have received no replies to indicate any is given.

No wonder cases such as mine occur.

No the equality act only covers people with physical or mental health conditions not EVERYONE.

Oh dear ignorance really is bliss.:cry::cry:

 

[Qwerty133]

You have not been reading the posts have you I begged them to call the police , and am not fearful of them at all.!

I demanded nothing I asked and was given no help.

I would read the equality act yourself before you reply with respect , some of the answers have bordered on complete ignorance , seems we still have a way to go on mental health issues.:cry::cry:

I'm afraid the clause in the equality act that states that 'requests from people who consider themselves to have a disability must be adhered to however unreasonable' is a fragment of your imagination.
There is absolutely no requirement in the equality act that requires a train company to pay for a hotel room at a passengers request.

 

[Surreytraveller]

Railway staff training in the Equality Act is patchy, however you cannot expect them to be experts in diagnosing mental health issues. Calling the police may have been an appropriate response, but I imagine their threat to do so should have been more of an offer of assistance.
And although a Premier Inn may have been cheaper than a taxi, the railway company would have had an account with a taxi firm as well as a procedure to arrange one. The staff would have been unable to arrange an hotel.

 

[Qwerty133]

Actually I asked what training is given to rail staff on the equalities act and so far have received no replies to indicate any is given.

No wonder cases such as mine occur.

No the equality act only covers people with physical or mental health conditions not EVERYONE.

Oh dear ignorance really is bliss.:cry::cry:

The equality act covers discrimination against anyone on the basis of sex, sexuality, race, religion, disability and in some cases age, it does not only cover people with health conditions and definitely doesn't give an absolute right for people with such conditions to demand preferential treatment (which is what your demand for a hotel room would amount to).