Calls grow for extra hospital car parking
A HEALTH workers union has urged the Townsville Hospital board to use its almost $ 8 million surplus to construct a new multistorey carpark and address staffing shortages.
Last week, Townsville Hospital and Health Service board chairman John Bearne revealed the facility had recorded a $ 7,802,000 surplus in its 2014- 15 annual report.
Queensland Nurses’ Union regional organiser Kaylene Turnbull said that money should be invested back into hospital infrastructure and to address staffing shortages in areas such as mental health and midwifery.
“I’m keen to know what they propose to do with their surplus,” Ms Turnbull said.
“Ideally the money should be spent during the financial year providing services rather than having a surplus.
“Car parking is definitely an area that also needs further improving.”
In May, the Townsville Bulletin revealed hospital parking had reached crisis point, with staff forced to park illegally in
There needs to be a long- term needs plan … and that involves a multistorey
carpark KAYLENE TURNBULL
public areas or arrive at work up to an hour early to find a spot and avoid being late.
Staff on night shift also feared for their safety, saying security escorts were frequently unavailable with claims one person was followed to their car.
Ms Turnbull said with the growth of the hospital and James Cook University campus, congestion at both the public and staff carparks was likely to get worse.
“It’s an ongoing battle,” she said. “There is just that demand and if they are trying to clear patient waiting lists … there needs to be a long- term needs plan … and that involves a multistorey carpark.”
Acting THHS chief execu- tive Kieran Keyes said the hospital had announced plans to increase its footprint of car parks by 300 spaces and upgrade lighting and security facilities as demand around the Douglas area grew.
“Car parking, like any hospital, is an ever- present cause of demand,” Mr Keyes said.
“At this stage, we are very clearly talking about expanding our single- level car parking facility over on the eastern campus.
“( Parking) is something we are ever- conscious of and always planning to do more on. The surplus goes to meet all the needs of the organisation.” days of workshopping which then culminates in a big concert on the Friday night.”
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