Improved car parking for Torbay Hospital
Published: 3 July 2015
The full business case detailing improvements for car parking at Torbay Hospital has been approved by the Board of South Devon Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.
The proposed investment of nearly £2 million was given the go ahead at the Trust’s board meeting on Wednesday 1 July.
The improvements, which will help to make parking quicker, easier, safer and less stressful, will include:
- Nearly doubling the number of disabled parking spaces for Blue Badge holders, increasing from 53 to 100, and also increasing the size of the bays
- Over 200 additional public parking spaces
- Dedicated drop off areas adjacent to all entrances and free parking for up to 20 minutes
- New barrier and pay on exit systems so people only pay for the time they use
- Better motorcycling and cycling facilities
- Safe, well lit car parks with improved access, new footpaths and crossings
The difficulties Torbay Hospital patients, visitors and staff have experienced over the years with parking have been well documented and are recognised as a significant issue by Torbay Council. In response to this feedback the Trust developed a car parking strategy in partnership with the Council in early 2013. The strategy has undergone a widespread consultation process during 2013/2014 and was well received by all groups and individuals culminating in the full business case which details a sustainable parking solution that will deliver the level of improvements needed.
Sir Richard Ibbotson, Chairman at Torbay Hospital, said: “I am delighted to confirm the Board’s approval of these plans. I would like to thank the patients, staff, volunteers, carers and union representatives, all of whom who have helped us develop the right solution for this site. I’m certain it will result in a much improved experience for all visiting Torbay Hospital in the future.”
Cathy French, Lead Governor at Torbay Hospital added: “Most of us living in South Devon will have needed to visit Torbay Hospital at one time or another, whether as a patient or visitor, and many will have experienced the frustrations with parking on the site. To know that there is a solution to this long standing problem in the not too distant future will be very welcome news to many, including my fellow governors.”
The Trust has always been clear that parking services cannot be funded through money received for delivering patient care. Therefore the improvements and maintenance of the service will need to be funded by an increase in parking fees on the site. The Trust has worked hard to keep the increase to an absolute minimum and even after the price rise, the charges at Torbay Hospital will be amongst the lowest in the region.
The hospital will continue to offer its concessionary parking*, which has received praise from cancer support charity Macmillan.
It is hoped that construction will commence in August with completion by December 2015. The works will be undertaken in a number of phases to ensure that disruption can be kept to a minimum. The new charges will come into effect in September 2015.
More detailed information about the plans including maps and charges can be found on the Trust’s website www.sdhct.nhs.uk.