Medical staff in plea over car park
DOCTORS and nurses formed a human barrier to urge rail commuters to stop using hospital parking as a free ‘park and ride’ facility.
Staff and patients say they struggling to find parking spaces at Hairmyres Hospital because rail users are taking many of the bays.
The health board say checks at the car park entrances each morning and large warning stickers placed on cars are not deterring passengers from abusing the rules.
Dr Helen Mackie, chief of medical services at Hairmyres Hospital, said: “We have tens of hundreds of outpatient appointments at the hospital every month and it can be really difficult for patients to find a car parking space. We would appeal to commuters to think twice before they park in Hairmyres, please leave the car park for patients who need our services.”
Joanne Edwards, director of hospital services, said “Please leave our car parking spaces for our patients and carers.
“I get complaints daily from our patients who are unable to park appropriately and to get to their appointments on time.
“I would appreciate it if people take some action and make sure we keep our car parks clear for our patients, carers and our staff.”
Susan Friel, chief of nursing services at Hairmyres Hospital, said: “It is really important that we have enough parking spaces for our patients.”