Concerns have been raised over parking pressures at Darlington Memorial Hospital, with claims that some staff members are using disabled bays and public parking spaces intended for patients and visitors.
The complaints come following the introduction of a new ANPR camera system at the hospital, which has been brought in to improve traffic flow and parking management across the site.
One regular visitor to the hospital, who attends appointments with a relative who has impaired mobility and wishes to remain anonymous, claimed they had repeatedly witnessed staff members parking in disabled bays after finishing night shifts.
The visitor alleged the issue was particularly noticeable during the early morning period, when patients are arriving for appointments, including CT scans and day ward procedures.
They claimed disabled parking spaces were often already occupied before 8.30am, making it difficult for patients with mobility issues to access the hospital.
The visitor also claimed they had seen staff members leaving vehicles parked in disabled bays despite no blue badges being displayed, while acknowledging some staff may have hidden disabilities.
In response to the concerns, Alison McCree, Managing Director of Synchronicity Care Limited, said disabled parking bays are reserved for blue badge holders and stressed that parking restrictions apply to everyone using the site, including staff.
She said: “We recognise that parking can be challenging at busy hospital sites and understand the frustration this can cause for patients, visitors and staff.
“Disabled parking bays at Darlington Memorial Hospital are reserved for blue badge holders, and all drivers using the site are expected to park appropriately and in line with the restrictions in place.
“Parking restrictions apply to everyone using the site, including staff. Vehicles parked in unauthorised or restricted areas, or in disabled bays without a valid blue badge, risk receiving a parking notice.”
Read more
-
What you need to know as new Darlington hospital parking rules start TODAY
-
Could the new ANPR system at Darlington Hospital improve the 'nightmare' car park?
-
Patient slams washing facilities at Darlington Memorial Hospital as 'disgusting'
She added: “The new ANPR system has recently gone live at Darlington Memorial Hospital and is intended to support improved traffic flow and parking management across the site.
“Any staff member parking in a public parking area is required to pay the appropriate visitor rate before being granted exit.
“We continue to remind staff to use designated staff parking areas and would encourage anyone with specific concerns to raise them with our car parking team so they can be looked into.”
Share