WORK TO increase the number of available car parking spaces at Glangwili Hospital will be completed by the end of the month.
A full health board meeting held on Thursday (Mar 31) heard that there had already been some positive feedback which indicated that parking was improving for patients. There were also indications of a decrease in congestion in the hospital area, and praise for the Park and Ride Service.
The additional 40 parking spaces are being created for patients and visitors at Glangwili Hospital, Carmarthen, in an effort to ease parking pressures at the site.
The car park capacity at Glangwili has been under pressure since catchment areas were changed in July 2015 as a ‘temporary measure’. This led to patients from Cardigan, Narberth, and Tenby, and other towns in these areas, receiving treatment in Glangwili rather than Withybush.
Hywel Dda UHB acknowledged that the provision of 40 extra parking spaces is just one of several changes planned to relieve pressure on the Carmarthen site whilst a bigger solution is developed.
Unexpected additional work has been required resulting in a short delay, with completion now expected to finish by the end of April.
Chairman Bernardine Rees OBE said: “I apologise for any inconvenience people have experienced when visiting Glangwili Hospital recently and I am grateful for everyone’s continued patience and co-operation whilst the construction work is carried out.
“This is just one of the actions we are taking to improve the parking facilities at the hospital and we are continuing to focus our efforts on a more permanent solution.”
“I wish to thank those patients, visitors and staff who are using alternative ways when visiting the hospital, such as the park and ride scheme at Nantyci Showground and would encourage this to continue, although I recognise that this isn’t a solution for everyone.”
Other changes include reinstating parking outside the Outpatient’s Department to patients and visitors only; removing named parking spaces; improving signage and communication with patients and staff over transport issues.
In addition, the University Health Board is considering other measures, such as reviewing patient visiting times, negotiating with Carmarthenshire Council and Gwili Railway Management Committee regarding potential use of land near the hospital, and liaising with local bus companies about extending current routes to the hospital site.
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