28/4/2008

NHS BORDERS URGED TO INTRODUCE PRIORITY PARKING SCHEME AT BGH

NHS Borders has been urged to introduce a priority parking scheme for out-patients attending the Borders General Hospital in a bid to overcome the “chronic parking shortages” at the Melrose site.
SNP MSP Christine Grahame has said the situation has become so bad that out-patients are now missing appointments as they are unable to find a car park on arrival at the hospital and claims the shortage of spaces has been exacerbated by NHS Borders decision to close down cottage hospitals in Coldstream and Jedburgh. Ms Grahame said:

“I am being contacting by BGH out-patients who are finding it increasingly difficult to park at the hospital due to the chronic parking shortages that exist. I know there has been some efforts by NHS Borders to increase parking but clearly the situation remains very difficult for patients trying to make their appointment.

“A priority parking scheme where out-patients displayed a permit, given to them with their appointment card and were allocated designated priority parking spaces would be one solution to ensure that patients did not miss out on treatment. Such schemes do exist in other parts of Scotland and work well.

“There would need to be some administration and monitoring of the scheme, but I think the costs could be offset by savings made on missed appointments.

“The scheme would be aimed at ensuring that those people who must attend hospital for treatment are given priority. I would be happy to work with NHS Borders to identify which particular scheme would work most effectively at the BGH drawing on best practice elsewhere in Scotland."

SNP It’s time.....