Parking cost hike at Altnagelvin

The number of paid-for spaces at the Londonderry hospital will be increased from 133 to 405 with effect from September 1, 2011.

This leaves 76 per cent of all parking spaces (1271) still free of charge. Those people who are currently entitled to free car parking will continue to receive it.

Trust Director Sara Groogan said: “The demand for car parking at hospitals continues to grow year on year. Due to the high volume of traffic, measures have been put in place to improve traffic management, use of parking spaces, and access by patients, carers, visitors and staff.

“Our efforts to improve traffic management cost money and the Trust has to ensure that it can cover these costs.”

The current Outpatients Car Park (183 spaces) will be chargeable but it will remain protected for patient use. Patients can also park outside of this area on any free parking space available on the site.

Ms Groogan clarified: “The Outpatients Car Park will be accessible free of charge out of hours to Trust night and twilight staff, and patients attending the GP Out of Hours Service based on the hospital site.”

An additional 89 spaces will be chargeable and these will be located at the south end of the hospital site.

The Trust undertook a targeted engagement with a range of stakeholders regarding its proposal. Having considered the feedback a number of amendments were made to minimise potential adverse impact on service users.

Patients entitled to financial support with travelling costs under the Hospital Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS) will be entitled to have their costs reimbursed.

The Trust has also developed guidance so that some patients and visitors can avail of free parking in discretionary situations, for example, patients attending the hospital frequently over a prolonged period, or relatives/carers visiting or sitting for lengthy periods with very ill patients.

In addition, improvements will be provided including additional rest/seating areas from the car parks in the south end of the site to assist users with mobility issues, and upgrading car parking signage and information across the hospital site. Additional disabled parking spaces have recently been provided at the main Out Patient entrance.