"Disabled parking."

I am sorry that you experienced difficulties parking at Hairmyres. I recognised the impact that this can have when trying to access the hospital site.

The free car parking at Hairmyres Hospital is for the benefit of patients, visitors and healthcare staff and is particularly important for members of these groups who have a disability. To encourage proper use of the parking facility, checks are routinely undertaken by our security/car park staff. Adhesive warning notices are attached to inappropriately parked cars advising the driver that their vehicle is parked in a space for ‘Disabled Badge Holders only’, on double yellow lines, partially on a footpath, in a no parking area, obstructing an entrance or in a manner which causes obstruction to ambulances or the fire department. Security/car parking staff also attempt to speak to drivers who park inappropriately.

These measures have some impact on the behaviour of people inappropriately using the car park but, unfortunately, are not able to fully prevent the situation you have described. We are planning to implement formal parking management arrangements which will ensure our spaces are accessed by the intended users. This is a complex process and will involve engagement with the public and our staff. Until this is implemented in full, site staff will continue to monitor parking on site and try to discourage inconsiderate parking where this is identified.

Russell Coulthard

Director of Hospital Services