NHS Lanarkshire is introducing measures to improve parking access for NHS users and staff at two sites.
A test of change is to be trialled at University Hospital Hairmyres and Motherwell Health Centre as both sites have a high level of parking issues. The aim is to prevent unauthorised users from parking on these sites.
NHS Lanarkshire has appointed Active Traffic Management Solutions (ATMS) to carry out the test of change at both facilities from Monday 17 April. Each morning, ATMS will deploy staff at site access points to check that everyone arriving at the sites by car has a valid reason to do so.
Jacqui McGeough, deputy director of planning, property and performance, said: “Over a considerable number of years, car parking difficulties at certain NHS Lanarkshire sites has continued to increase, resulting in rising levels of complaints and a high instance of inappropriate parking that poses a serious risk to health and safety.
“Parking at these sites is for patients, carers, volunteers, visitors and staff but unfortunately 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 site car parks.
“Inappropriate parking can also lead to restricted access for emergency services.
“In order to tackle this problem, anyone seeking to park without a valid reason will not be permitted to gain access. Patients and visitors will not be required to divulge any confidential information.
“Staff will be required to produce their staff ID badge to gain access.
“We are looking for the support of those attending these two sites and believe 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.”
The test of change will commence on Monday 17 April and will run during spring initially to allow NHS Lanarkshire to assess the effectiveness of these measures.
