Parking wardens to patrol hospital
Parking attendants have begun patrolling at Hairmyres Hospital to ensure spaces are only occupied by patients and staff and to keep out “unauthorised users”.
Wardens are now in place at both the East Kilbride hospital and at busy Motherwell Health Centre“to check that everyone arriving at the sites by car has a valid reason”.
NHS Lanarkshire officials say that the two sites currently experience“a high level of parking issues”and that the aim of the trial scheme – set to run throughout spring – is to “improve parking access for NHS users and staff”.
Hairmyres’car spaces have long been impacted by commuters heading for the adjacent train station inconsiderately using it to park and ride.
Now the test project sees staff from appointed contractor Active Traffic Management Solutions speak to motorists arriving at the two locations, with anyone attempting to use the car parks without attending for healthcare reasons being refused entry.
Staff will have to show ID badges to be able to park at both locations, while patients and visitors will be asked about their need to access the car park.
However, NHS Lanarkshire say that they“will not be required to divulge any confidential information”.
Jacqui McGeough, the health board’s deputy director of planning, property and performance, said: “High numbers of unauthorised people are parking on our sites which causes significant disruption and reduces availability of spaces for those who have a legitimate reason to access car parks.
“Car parking difficulties at certain NHS Lanarkshire sites have continued to increase over a considerable number of years, resulting in rising levels of complaints and a high instance of inappropriate parking that poses a serious risk to health and safety and can also lead to restricted access for emergency services.
“To tackle this problem, anyone seeking to park without a valid reason will not be permitted to gain access.
“Parking at these sites is for patients, carers, volunteers, visitors and staff.”
She added:“We are looking for the support of those attending these two sites and believe that these measures will be effective in improving access and safety with minimum inconvenience for patients, visitors and staff.
“Importantly, ambulance access to sites will not be disrupted.”
Described by the health board as a “test of change”, the trial will “initially”run throughout spring“to allow NHS Lanarkshire to assess the effectiveness of these measures”.