Hospital issues parking warning

PARKING warnings are being made to patients and visitors as works continue to extend the busiest department at Nuneaton’s hospital.

As the £1 million works to transform A&E into a ‘one stop shop’ emergency department take shape, bosses at the George Eliot Hospital are asking visitors and patients alike to be mindful of changes to the existing access and to simply follow the signs.

“We ask patients and visitors to access A&E via the clear signage from the maternity car park direction or via the two signed access doors from the main hospital corridor,” a spokesperson for the George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust said,

“The temporary reception leads to a large waiting area.

“Patients are asked to bear with us during this temporary improvement works and to ensure they only access using the signed access entrances. Just follow the signs.

“Visitors should use the main car parks including the maternity car park or the temporary drop off area just before the main redevelopment area. Visitors can access A&E reception via the clearly signed path or the signed entrances in the main corridor accessed from the Cheverel Entrance.” The plea comes less than a week after concerns were raised by West Midlands Ambulance Service about the dangers of blocking crucial access to A&E. A motorist dumped their vehicle outside the entrance to the hospital on September 3, preventing an ambulance from being able to complete their turning. This prompted paramedics to publicly shame the driver, and now the hospital is appealing to motorists to think wisely, saying: “Please do not park in the area that is signed clearly to say ‘No parking under any circumstances’ as this restricts access for our ambulances and the safety of their patients.” The works to upgrade A&E should help to ease the underpressure department, particularly in time for the traditionally busy winter period. But the A&E department has, so far this year, suffered sustained pressure, as more people have turned up to A&E seeking care. The changes, paid for by a £1 million government cash boost, will pave the way for people to access the new look one stop shop for care through just one door, incorporating A&E, out-of-hours GP services, urgent care and the existing minor injury services.

Patients are asked to bear with us during this temporary improvement works... just follow the signs. Spokesperson