Dan Woodward
Salisbury District Hospital has announced the reinstatement of its visitor and patient car parking system, scheduled to go live on Wednesday, June 7, 2023. The decision comes after significant difficulties earlier in the year, during which the hospital took into account the feedback from users and took steps to improve the system.
To enhance the accuracy of registration number recognition, the hospital has instructed the supplier to install additional cameras. This improvement aims to address the issues experienced in the past and streamline the parking process for visitors and patients. Furthermore, simpler validation devices will be provided for disabled drivers, accompanied by maps displaying their locations.
The car parking system is owned and managed by the hospital in collaboration with the supplier, APCOA. This partnership is aimed at providing a professional parking experience for all users. After deducting the running costs and maintenance expenses, the remaining funds generated through parking fees will be dedicated to the provision of patient care at Salisbury District Hospital.
Parking fees will be applicable from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm, seven days a week, through the camera-controlled ‘pay on exit’ system. It’s important to note that car parking is free for all drivers between 10:00 pm and 6:00 am. To facilitate payment, users can utilize the APCOA app, available for download on Apple or Google Play. Additionally, cash and card payments will be accepted at pay machines and kiosks. Motorcycles will be exempt from charges.
The hospital is pleased to announce that there will be no increase in parking fees. In fact, a one-hour tariff has been introduced, reducing the previous two-hour minimum. This change may result in patients and visitors paying less than before. Furthermore, there will be a grace period of 30 minutes for drop-offs and pick-ups without incurring any charges.
For guidance on using the new car parking system, patients and visitors can refer to the hospital’s website: https://www.salisbury.nhs.uk/find-and-contact-us/. The website will provide comprehensive information to ensure a smooth experience for all.
It is important to note that the hospital parking area tends to be very busy, particularly during peak times from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. This high demand often exceeds the available capacity, leading to delays in finding parking spaces. In light of this, the hospital strongly encourages staff and visitors to explore alternative means of transportation such as public transport or carpooling whenever possible and appropriate.
Chief Executive Stacey Hunter expressed her regret for the problems encountered during the initial transition to the new car parking system. She emphasized that the hospital had taken the concerns raised by patients and visitors seriously and had acted promptly. The installation of additional cameras, validation points, and the provision of extra staff aims to facilitate a smooth and efficient experience for all individuals utilizing the parking facilities.
The hospital remains committed to providing high-quality healthcare services and is dedicated to continually improving the visitor and patient experience.
Andy Munns
