New Multi-Storey Car Park at Basildon University Hospital
Construction of the new multi-storey car park at Basildon University Hospital is forging ahead, and is expected to be complete in February 2008. Providing 1,600 spaces, 700 more than at present, the new car park is being built in response to calls from local people to improve parking at the hospital.
Costing £8 million, the new car park is a massive investment for the Trust. To fund this, and the maintenance of the other car parks at Basildon and Orsett Hospitals, changes are being introduced to the parking charges for patients and visitors.
When the new multi-storey opens, parking at Basildon University Hospital will be free for the first 45 minutes. This will allow people time to drop off relatives and friends without being charged. People parking over 45 minutes up to a maximum of eight hours will be charged £3. There will be a £6 charge for parking over eight hours.
Patients and visitors to Orsett Hospital will be asked to pay £3 for however long they park, until spring 2008 when an incremental charging system will be introduced – with the same rates as at Basildon Hospital.
There will be special concessionary arrangements for frequent patients and visitors who need to come to the hospital several times a week, and for people who work at the hospitals on a voluntary basis. Blue badge holders will continue to be able to park free of charge.
A £1 charge to park at St Andrew’s Centre, Billericay, is also being introduced in 2008, along with a maximum stay of four hours.
Parking charges are being introduced for trust staff at a rate of £10 per month.
Jenny Galpin, Director of Projects and Facilities, said: “The new multi-storey is looking very impressive, and building work is now in the final stages. While the parking situation at Basildon is better than at many other hospitals, there are times when it comes under real pressure. We know this makes life difficult for our patients and staff, so providing a solution has been a top priority.”
Copy Dates for "Resident"
If readers wish to advertise an event or have an article printed in the newsletter the following gives dates by which copy should be received by the editor – Trevor Stansfield, 174 Perry Street CM12 0NX or e-mail Tremar@aol.com:
February issue copy by 15 January, March issue by 15 February, April issue by 15 March, May issue copy by 15 April, June issue by 15 May, July/August issue by 15 June, September issue by 15 August, October issue by 15 September, November issue by 15 October. December/January issue by 15 November, February issue by 15 January.
If an event is to be held before the 10th of the month then, to ensure circulation, the advertisement should be included in the previous month’s issue e.g. an event taking place on 3 May should be advertised in the April issue. Similarly if an event is scheduled for 3 September then the advertisement should appear in the July issue.