During an Adjournment Debate, the Minister said that he was aware the Trust had already introduced a number of measures to increase the number of parking spaces. Despite these measures the existing car park at the hospital had insufficient spaces to meet demand while residents living close by were faced with increased traffic levels and parking on their streets.
He said: “It is vital that hospital staff, such as doctors and nurses without whom our hospitals cannot function, have adequate access to the hospital. There is currently no scope for increasing car parking capacity at the hospital. In addition, the cost of building a new multi-storey car park is estimated at around £7 million - I believe that this money would be better spent on the delivery of critical health and social care services.
“The Southern Trust is exploring other options to help residents living close to Daisy Hill Hospital. I have also asked the Trust to review car parking arrangements and progress practical measures to alleviate the present difficulties.”
Notes to Editors:
Media queries to DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0571 or 07919 400248.
