Disabled parking a problem at hospital
A Toowoomba man speaks out on accessibility
A RESIDENT has voiced his concern over a lack of disabled parking at the front of the Toowoomba Hospital.
John Biggar, who is unable to walk because of a permanent leg injury, was hit with a $130 fine after parking in a short-stay space at the front of the hospital.
Mr Biggar said he felt the parking situation at the hospital was a “money grab” that didn’t take into consideration people’s conditions.
“It’s hard for me to walk any more than 50 metres with my disability,” Mr Biggar said.
“The only disabled parking at the hospital is either right out the back of the hospital which is a fair walk, or in their parking station, which is both paid and a fair distance away from the entrance.
“I have to go to the hospital for all my scans, and I will have to go in for the next five years, which, when you use the paid parking, adds up.”
Mr Biggar said he felt could make the front more accessible to those with disabilities.
“There is heaps of parking right outside the front for taxis and for loading. I feel they should be able to put in a couple of extra disabled parks.
“All the hospitals in Brisbane have disabled parks outside the front for easy access.”
Mr Biggar said he was annoyed to have received the fine, but understood he had overstayed the parking time limit while waiting for his scan.
A Darling Downs Hospital spokesperson said the Toowoomba Hospital facility provided many options for those with disabilities.
“There are 31 disabled car parking spaces located across the Toowoomba Hospital campus. These parking spaces have no time limits for use,” the spokesperson said.
“There are no fees for using disabled car spaces across the Toowoomba Hospital campus.
The spokesperson said the hospital also provided a golf buggy service to transport patients from the carpark to the entrance of the hospital.