Disability Access News

Dec 10 2008 by Aaron Boland, Liverpool Daily Post

Hospital patients angry at disabled car park closure

DISABLED patients at the Royal Liverpool Hospital reacted angrily yesterday after discovering their car park had been closed to make way for hospital staff.

The car park, on West Derby Street, is now being used as an overspill parking area for staff, and disabled patients have been moved to a multi-storey further away.

Phil Balmer, 63, from Farnworth in Widnes, is diabetic and can only walk a short distance after having a quadruple bypass operation.

He says hospital administrators were putting the welfare of staff before that of disabled patients.

When he arrived at the car park – which was yesterday still signposted for disabled drivers – he was refused entry by an attendant at the barrier.

He says the car park, which has space for 50 to 60 vehicles, was not full, and believes the new disabled parking provision on Prescot Street is not suitable for many disabled people.

Mr Balmer said there was no information about the new parking arrangements on display in the hospital.

He said: “People need to be informed about the multi-storey car park and the shuttle service from there to the hospital.

“I don’t think a shuttle bus is the answer as you don’t know how long you’ll have to wait for it, and could be late for your appointment.

“I’m reasonably fortunate because I can walk and could struggle over to the hospital, but others may have to wait. It could a bit lonely, especially at night.”

Hospital chief executive Tony Bell said: “The new facility has improved access, is well lit, secure and maintained, has clear signs and there are also staff on hand to provide assistance to anyone who needs it.” The shuttle bus ensured patients were taken direct to the most convenient entrance and collected afterwards.

He said the new disabled car park opened on November 17, and the old car park remained open for another two weeks.

An extended period of grace had been arranged until early January to ensure those who were not aware of the change could use the old car park.