26 August 2010
Last month, the Trust launched 'The Big Conversation' - a wide-ranging review into how the car parks at our hospitals are managed, and so far, more than 800 people, including patients, visitors and staff, have had their say.
Now, due to popular demand, the Trust is extending the deadline for people to take part in the review. 'The Big Conversation' was originally set to close on 31 August, but to make sure everyone has had chance to take part, that date has been moved back to 12 September.
Chief Executive of the Trust, Samantha Jones said: "It is obvious that car parking is a hot topic and lots of people have very strong opinions about it. We're absolutely committed to listening to what patients, staff and other local people have to say and we hope that everyone has the chance to get their views across. That's exactly why we have extended the deadline of 'The Big Conversation'.
"The response has been staggering and I would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to fill in the survey so far."
If you haven't already filled in a survey, you can do so on the Trust's website. To receive a paper version of the survey, contact the Trust's communications and corporate affairs team on 020 8296 2406 or email 'The Big Conversation's' dedicated email address at tbc@esth.nhs.uk.
The review was launched following research from consumer watchdog 'Which?' that rated NHS hospital car parks in England. 'Which?' asked NHS trusts to look at ten points to make parking fairer, which is exactly what 'The Big Conversation' aimed to do.
Those points are:
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Are our charges and associated penalties fair?
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Are there are enough spaces for patients, visitors and staff?
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Do we offer regular visitors concessions?
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Could we allow patients visiting Sutton Hospital to pay on departure?
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Could we allow patients to pay by card and cash?
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Do we provide priority parking for all of those who need it?
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How clear is the information we provide on concessions?
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Do we do enough to reimburse patients for additional parking fees when appointments are delayed?
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Should we stop clamping and, if so, what should replace it (if anything)?
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Could we improve on the level of 'customer care' the people using our car parks receive?
To make sure we are doing everything we can to make our car parks as fair as possible while still making sure that they run efficiently and are safe for staff and visitors, we invited 'Which?' into our hospitals to have a look at how 'The Big Conversation' is progressing.
Paula Pohja, Senior Advocate from 'Which?' said: "We know how stressful people find parking at hospitals, so it's great to see Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust taking 'Which?'s' demands for hospital car parks so seriously.
"The Big Conversation is your chance to get involved and have your say, and hopefully make parking a stress-free experience for people visiting the Trust."
