WRC dismisses disability discrimination complaint against doctor after complainant misses hearings

The Workplace Relations Commission dismissed Roxanne Straatheijer’s Equal Status Act complaint against Dr. John Lambert after she did not attend either hearing to give evidence. The decision was dated 21 August 2025, and no award was recorded. Straatheijer alleged that Lambert discriminated against her in access to medical treatment and failed to provide reasonable accommodation for consultations. Lambert denied discrimination, saying he could not make a safe and accurate diagnosis under the requested conditions. The adjudication officer said the complaint fell for lack of prosecution after Straatheijer did not give evidence and the respondent objected to her partner presenting her case. The complaint failed; the merits were not decided.