Disability champion takes hospital campaign to Westminster

A leading disability campaigner from East Lancashire has taken his latest fight for improved accessibility straight to Westminster after being welcomed to Parliament and given a behind-the-scenes tour of 10 Downing Street.

Hyndburn’s Zack Kerr, who has become nationally recognised for his work campaigning for better disabled facilities, visited the Houses of Parliament this week to press the Government to improve accessibility at hospitals across the county.

The campaigner, who has quadriplegic cerebral palsy and previously led a successful campaign for better accessibility at motorway service stations, is now turning his attention to the NHS, arguing that many still lack adequate facilities for disabled patients.

Among the hospitals highlighted by Zack Kerr are Blackburn, Burnley and Chorley, which he says do not provide sufficient accessibility provision, including hoists and Changing Places facilities.

The visit included meetings with Sarah Smith, MP for Hyndburn, and Daniel Francis MP, an advocate for those living with cerebral palsy, before Mr Kerr and his family were invited to 10 Downing Street.

Speaking after the visit, Sarah Smith said: “This week, Zack and his family visited me in Parliament on his Changing Places campaign for greater accessibility.

“Zack has already succeeded in changing the accessibility offer in service stations across the country, and now he is turning his attention to our hospitals.

“Whether it’s Blackburn, Burnley or Chorley, these places don’t provide adequate access with a lack of things like hoists, Changing Places and more.

“After a meeting in Parliament, Zack and I made our way to 10 Downing Street for a behind-the-scenes tour of the Prime Minister’s residence.

“Zack is a powerful and effective campaigner who isn’t willing to take no for an answer, and I am right behind him on this campaign.”

The visit marks the latest chapter in a long-running accessibility campaign for Mr Kerr, who won the Positive Role Model for Disability Award at the National Diversity Awards and was made a Freeman of the Borough of Hyndburn earlier this year in recognition of his work promoting inclusion and accessibility.

Mr Kerr hopes the new campaign would help disabled people attend hospital appointments with dignity and without unnecessary barriers.

He said: “I had a great visit to the Houses of Parliament with my mum and dad.

“I met my MP Sarah Smith and another MP Daniel Francis. We talked about accessibility and Changing Places in hospital.

“I’m going to start a campaign for better accessibility and Changing Places in all hospitals to help all people with disabilities like myself to be able to access their appointments without any issues.”

And the campaigner’s visit to Westminster even came with an unexpected glimpse inside the halls of power.

He added: “It was great meeting them then I had a surprise visit to 10 Downing Street, and I even got to go inside.

“I got to see the Cabinet Room and even saw the famous staircase with the Prime Minister’s portraits.

“Unfortunately, I didn’t get to see Andy Burnham or Larry the cat but hopefully next time.”