New Parking System Operates Smoothly

03/03/2011 | Parking Update

The new parking system at Palmerston North Hospital has been up and running smoothly for almost two weeks.

Parking continues to be free up to Sunday (6 March 2011), with patients, visitors and staff going through the process of using the parking ticket machines and barrier arms to become familiar with the system and to ensure it works correctly. From Monday (7 March 2011) onwards, a fee will apply to park on-site at the hospital.

Wilson Parking attendants have been stationed at each hospital entrance gate ready to assist everyone coming onto the hospital site with the new system.

Commercial Support Services Group Manager, Jeff Small said: “Apart from the few hiccups expected with any new system, week one went smoothly.

 “The congestion and shortage of public car parks has been resolved. Positive feedback has been received from patients who have found access to parking easier when attending appointments or visiting relatives.

“Members of the public have been great with adjusting to this change and any feedback is much appreciated and welcomed.”

The ATM machine has been installed in Palmerston North Hospital’s front entrance and has been well received by both public and staff.

MDHB management worked closely with Horizon’s Regional Council to provide a free bus service to Palmerston North Hospital from 22 February to 31 March. The bus promotion is hoped to make the transition to paid car parking a bit easier.

With the introduction of paid car parking at Palmerston North Hospital, there are now over 650 car parks for the public and over 900 available to staff and Board vehicles, a larger drop off zone at the main entrance, an information/pay booth, accessible pay stations, and increased security.

Jeff Small said: “I appreciate everyone’s co-operation with this change and assure you that efforts are being made to ensure car parking at Palmerston North Hospital continues to run smoothly in the future.”

Contact: Communications Unit (06) 350-8945