1,000 signatures reached
To: Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Disabled People
Remove the exclusion of ostomy patients from the Blue Badge scheme
To include those drivers and passengers who have permanent ostomies in the Blue Badge scheme.
Why is this important?
Currently those with colinic/bowel disorders and who have a permanent condition as a result of this are rejected from the Blue Badge scheme. Granted that this is true of many others as well, but ostomates usually have to carry with them a set of spares (from clothing to appliances) and having easy and close access to these would be a huge relief, especially in an emergency. Believe me, walking through a supermarket car park knowing that you clothes are soiled is not pleasant, and being able to be back at the car and safety would be a huge physical and psychological benefit.
Likewise, many ostomates end up with hernias as a result of their surgery, meaning that carrying heavy items and distance can be challenging if not actually harmful, let alone the issues of having to stack/pack these into a boot or onto a back seat. There are over 100,000 ostomates in the UK currently who have to fend for themselves (I speak as one of these).
Seeing others abuse the scheme of course makes one think that it should be tightened, but not to the exclusion of those with genuine needs.
