North Wales Live readers have been discussing the critical issue of cars parking in ambulance bays at hospitals across the region, a practice described as a “nightmare” for paramedics. This infringement, happening ‘each and every night’ according to a whistleblower, is not only causing frustration but may also be compromising patient safety.
The situation was brought to light by an anxious ambulance service employee, who after previously addressing it with health officials, spoke out again about frequently discovering cars obstructing ambulance bays at various hospitals including Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor, Ysbyty Glan Clwyd in Bodelwyddan, and Wrexham Maelor Hospital. Although these are typically non-emergency bays, they sometimes become crucial for emergency transfers.
The Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board warned that “misuse of these spaces can impede healthcare operations and our ability to respond effectively to patients”, urging drivers to comply with parking rules.
Reader Hollyheadsays : “Display the number plates and let the owners explain themselves. YGC are horrendous for parking. I take the train and bus there now. Less chance of your car getting dented and never finding out who did it. AND, have more policing of those who park in the morning and take the bus into Bangor, chancing their arm that no check will be made.”
Commenter Hogangymraeg adds: “I know that in car park on the left as you enter YG you need to display a ticket, forget how long it lasts, and you can go back and renew it, this has been implemented to put an end to people using the car park as park and ride. There was a warden going around issuing fines, do they not still do that? Parking is a nightmare there, and I have no idea what the solution is. As for Glan Clwyd, I took a relative there for an appointment, and we were lucky to find the last disabled space, I sat in the car whilst they went for their appointment. There were four spaces in that area, and I was shocked when the owner of the car next to mine came out for a smoke. No blue badge, and they were a health care worker at the hospital. Surely there was a better spot she could have parked at, I was disgusted to say the least.”
Martiniman believes: “Parking at Glan Clywd is a nightmare I wish they would do something about the amount of people parking in disabled spaces with no blue badge they should have a parking area for staff only as it’s a nightmare for them.”
Hogangymraeg agrees: “I agree, as I have mentioned in another comment, one person parked in a disabled bay I saw was a hospital health worker, no blue badge, and she was denying a disabled person a space close to the hospital.”
Besdsboy writes: “Tow them away.”
Forestdragon comments: “No way do I condone such parking, but it’s not necessarily selfish or thoughtless. People go to the hospitals because they are taking sick people who could not wait for an ambulance, or because they’ve been told a relative is seriously ill. Some cars are so up-market I’ve assumed they may be consultants called in for an emergency, and forced to just dump their car where they can, and run. Medical staff come in early and take spots closest to the entrances. That really should be stopped. Lots of spaces are taken by cafe and other voluntary staff, and by cafe customers. I know that raises money, but maybe that needs reconsidering. And where do the admin staff park? They must be suitable for a park-and-ride facility. Basically, it needs managing. Proper, professional management.”
Raifjones writes: “As opposed to those that are already in hospital who need urgent transfers to other hospitals, or patients that need to come in for treatment, there are four bays at YG for ambulances to park at the front, there are HUNDREDS of car parking bays.”
PedroD adds: “Tow the cars to a pound with a £400 release fee.”
Toxteth O’Grady says: “Glan Clwyd is a nightmare for parking unless you get there before 8am. Can they not build a multi-storey car park instead of wasting millions on unnecessary bureaucracy?”
Marky64 writes: “They are going to build a multi story car park, while they build it there will probably be even more disruption. Also you will have to pay to park. All of which will make no difference to the indiscriminate parking.”
So what would you do to ease this situation? Let us know in the comments below or HERE.