Hospital access restricted
Visitors to the West Gippsland Hospital at Warragul, especially those transporting patients for treatments, are urged to make themselves aware of changed access arrangements while building works are in progress.
Previous disability parking bays closest to the main entrances to the building have been closed and the five-minute drop-off areas are also affected.
The roundabout drop-off area at the front of the main entrance has been closed to traffic.
The Gazette has had reports that a number of patients needing wheelchair access or undergoing treatments such as dialysis have had difficulties accessing the hospital since construction began.
There has been no loss of parking set aside for disability access although those areas have been relocated.
An alternative drop-off area at the rear of the Emergency Department enables those in wheelchairs or needing assistance to enter the hospital without having to negotiate the slope to the main entrance and an intercom has been installed to enable admissions out of hours.
Signage giving directions to that area has been erected at the main entrance driveway from Landsborough Rd.
The main entrance is still accessible but requires people to walk on a pathway alongside the builders’ safety fencing.
The drop-off area and quadrangle at the top of the eastern driveway from Landsborough Rd past the consulting suites has been closed.
Those attending the Mary Sargeant building for district nursing and dialysis services are advised to use the car park off Ley St on the southern side of the hospital.
Visitors to Cooinda Lodge residential aged care that have previously used the front entry and ramp can now park at the rear of the building off Ley St and enter Cooinda via the rear doors.
Chief executive officer Dan Weeks acknowledged the inconvenience for some people but said the temporary arrangements ensured the safety of patients, visitors and staff.
He said a team of volunteer concierges was being recruited to direct people through the hospital during construction.
He said extra time should be allowed for parking as disruptions were unavoidable.
Further information on the changed access and parking arrangements is available by telephoning the hospital 5623 0611, via email to facilities@wghg.com.au or accessing the hospital’s website.
The $9.3 million project involves construction of an eight-bed short stay unit alongside the emergency department and a third operating theatre.
A new roadway will be built across the lawn area at the front of the hospital to increase car parking and create a new patient drop-off area.
The overall parking available for visitors and staff has been reduced during the building works.
Some staff are parking at the Warragul Railway Station and walking to work as a way to improve their fitness. Parking at the station and car pooling has been suggested to staff as a way of making as many car parks as possible available at the hospital for the public.