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Cancelled hospital park and ride

Story from nhs.uk

"Cancelled hospital park and ride"

About: Kent & Canterbury Hospital

I visited this hospital on 14th Jan 2016. Went to the hospital park and ride service only to be told it has been discontinued. Drove to hospital where it was impossible to park. Drove back to park and ride, got on bus to bottom of Ethelbert Road and walked (approx 10 minutes). Due to parking problems was late for appointment. Met several patients in the same situation, no one seemed to know park and ride had been stopped. I am seriously and chronically ill and the situation was appalling. This Trust has obviously forgotten what they are there for - to care for people who are ill and in need if treatment and increasingly it is obvious across the Trust (I attend mostt of their hospitals) that they have no regard for patient care or safety. Saying that if you can actually get to the hospital, the medical and nursing staff are consistently wonderful!

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Responses

Response from Kent & Canterbury Hospital 8 years ago
Kent & Canterbury Hospital

Submitted on 21/01/2016 at 15:15
Published on nhs.uk on 29/01/2016 at 22:41

I am so sorry you have had this problem. The Park and Ride service, operated by Stagecoach on behalf of Canterbury City Council between New Dover Road and the hospital, had been financially supported by the Trust since its inception in 2010.

However, over the last 12 months passenger numbers dropped considerably, and the bus often ran from New Dover Road to the hospital and back completely empty.

Staff no longer need to use the service owing to more staff parking provision on site, and as a result the service ended as of 31 December 2015.

More parking provision for patients can now be found outside the 'Education Centre', which is on the left hand side of the avenue as you approach the 1937 building - please try this area as there are frequently spaces to be found there.

It is also sometimes possible to find a parking space in the streets adjacent, which is free, but for four hours only.

Nevertheless, it was good to know that once you get into the hospital, the staff are so good - thank you for your kind comments.

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