Parking at a premium at Western General

The Western General has launched its latest programme of site improvement works and drivers have been warned to expect ‘some parking challenges’. NHS Lothian says the building work will bring welcome benefits to patients and staff, but while it’s underway there will be times when fewer parking spaces are available.

“We apologise in advance to staff, patients and visitors who park at the Western General for any inconvenience caused by the reduction in car parking spaces,” said Chris Stirling, Site Director, WGH.  “The needs of patients will be prioritised throughout the site redevelopment works and we will focus efforts on making access to the site for patients as easy as possible, and do all we can to minimise disruption to patients, staff and visitors.

Flood protection works are scheduled to start this year, when two water tanks and associated pipework will be laid underground to reduce the risk of flooding on site.  This work is likely to take around 19 weeks and will result in the suspension of some staff car parking spaces.

To lessen the impact of these losses, the Western General’s Facilities Team is exploring options for expanding some on-site car parking provision to make more spaces available, reducing the loss of parking spaces while flood protection work is carried out. They are also investigating options for off-site parking for affected staff.

“Continuing programmes of improvement have been a hallmark of the Western General Hospital throughout the site’s 150-year history, and our site redevelopment plans will bring more benefits to patients, staff and the community we serve,” said Chris Stirling, Site Director, WGH.

“As these works progress, we will continue to address pressures placed on car parking availability and will update staff, patients and all site users regularly.”

Where possible, patients and visitors to the site are encouraged to consider alternative transport options, including bus services and park and ride facilities. Additional secure bike storage facilities have recently been added to the site.