[W]ork has started to install pay on exit barriers to the patient and visitor car parks at the Cumberland Infirmary, Carlisle.
North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust (NCUH) has been listening to patient and visitor comments on how the car parks at the Cumberland Infirmary can be improved and as a result pay on exit barriers will be installed by October.
The introduction of the barriers means patients and visitors will no longer have to estimate how long they will need to park for and only pay for the time they use. The barriers also bring the added convenience of credit and debit card payments.
The barrier system will be installed in the main patient and visitor car park and the Accident and Emergency car park. All staff car parks will not have barriers and will be clearly signposted. Disabled parking has recently moved to the back of the hospital close to disablement services and the pharmacy.
Until the completion of the barriers, the pay and display system will continue to operate as it does now, and UK Parking Control will be on site to ensure the safety and security of everyone who uses the car park.
Stephen Prince, associate director of estates and facilities at NCUH, said: “We have been making improvements to the Cumberland Infirmary car parks for some time now and I’d like to thank all of our patients, visitors and staff for their patience. We have been listening to their comments and I am delighted that work is beginning to introduce the pay on exit system which will be much more convenient for patients and visitors.”
Rory Stewart MP said: “A great many constituents have contacted me about this, and so this is extremely welcome news.
“I’m delighted work has begun on the new barrier system, which will hopefully make a noticeable difference to those parking at the Cumberland Infirmary.
“This is a big step forward for patients and their families, who should no longer have to deal with the added stress of unfair parking charges at what is already an extremely difficult time.
“I have lobbied for this to be reviewed for a long time and am very glad a solution is now being implemented. I’d like to thank all the staff at the Infirmary who have helped to bring this about.”
