| News and media | |
Hospital carpark keeps visitors dryWaikato Hospital’s carpark building had a busy day yesterday protecting hundreds of patients and visitors from the stormy weather. More than 900 vehicles were recorded using the building; the busiest day since it opened for the public in March. Waikato District Health Board Building Programme project director Ian Wolstencroft was pleased to see the building so busy. “The lifts were chokka, many levels of the carpark building had no spaces and our volunteers were very busy showing people where to go. “It’s great that all of these visitors were able to stay warm and dry and that they were able to experience first hand how the building can benefit their visit to the hospital,” he said. Since opening, the 18-level carpark building has significantly improved parking onsite and has made getting into the hospital much simpler with direct lift access from all carpark levels. “On these cold winter days nobody wants to be walking in the rain but that was the reality for many visitors before the carpark building opened. “Anyone who wasn’t lucky enough to get a park outside the old main entrance had to traipse up a steep hill in whatever weather the day presented. “Not exactly ideal for a major tertiary hospital that gets thousands of visitors on a daily basis,” Mr Wolstencroft said. The carpark building is now the main entry into the hospital and the primary parking area for patients and visitors. Anyone who has parked in the carpark building but isn’t going to the main hospital buildings can keep out of the rain by catching a shuttle ride from level B5. Mr Wolstencroft said the hospital is keen for more visitors to be using this free shuttle service for visitors. Waikato Hospital’s carpark building is part of Waikato DHB’s Building Programme project at both Thames and Waikato hospitals. For more information about the project visit www.waikatodhb.govt.nz. ENDS Date: 31 July 2008 Contact: Ashleigh Peek |
