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Care Opinion

Not being able to secure a disabled parking spot

Posted By nufab4

"Not being able to secure a disabled parking spot"

About: Inverclyde Royal Hospital / Outpatients

(as the patient),

I am physically disabled and find that any benefit from going to an appointment is often nullified by the stress and time spent trying to get a parking place close to the front of the hospital. On several occasions I have had to abandon my appointment as the only parking available was in the large car park at Larkfield and that is too far for me to walk.

I do have a disabled badge, but there are not enough disabled bays for the number of disabled patrons, and I feel that the whole issue of disabled bay provision should be re-looked at. For example the parking outside the main building, could be only for those who are mobility impaired. I did phone the hospital to speak to someone regarding this, and was promised a call back, but to be fair to the department I spoke with, they did say it was not their remit.

I have recently scheduled appointments at Port Glasgow health centre rather than Inverclyde, despite this being further for me to travel, as I am more likely to get parked close by.

It’s such a pity. My husband recently had several days on the wards and he found the staff so friendly and the care exemplary, but he knew that for me to attempt a visit I had to face the very real possibility of travelling a long way (for me), not being able to secure a disabled parking spot, and therefore turning round and going home.

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Responses

Response from Marie Farrell, Sector Director - Clyde, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde 7 years ago
Marie Farrell
Sector Director - Clyde,
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

Submitted on 06/04/2017 at 17:33
Published on Care Opinion at 20:52

picture of Marie Farrell

Dear nufab4

I am sorry that you found parking to be difficult at the Inverclyde Royal Hospital resulting in the cancellation of your appointment; I understand your anger and frustration at this situation as you were unable to find a suitable disabled space.

I acknowledge that there is considerable pressure on the parking facilities at the IRH which we continually monitor and strive to improve where possible including increasing spaces where possible; I would also like to reassure you that the car parking arrangements at the IRH are designed to balance the needs of patients, visitors and staff and are monitored with the emphasis being on ensuring patients, visitors and carers are able to park with as little difficulty as possible.

In the past we have put in support mechanisms for patients and visitors who have experienced difficulty parking or require assistance and we would be happy to support your in the future,this can be done by contacting the Facilities Department prior to your appointment, the Facilities department will always assist.

If you wish this support then please respond and we would be happy to give you the direct contact details. Please contact Lorna Campbell our Facilities Manager on - Lorna.Campbell@ggc.scot.nhs.uk

I apologise again for the difficulties, inconvenience and anxiety that this has caused you. I hope that this response reassures you of our continuing commitment to our patients and visitors.

Kind Regards

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful

Update posted by nufab4 (the patient)

Thankyou for the response. I will contact Lorna. I wish I had known about this website a few years ago, as this problem has been ongoing for some time. I really appreciate the quick response, and hopefully Lorna can provide me a way to visit Inverclyde without facing anymore stress and pain.

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