There are plans to build a much needed new theatre wing at Wollongong hospital. Some question the wisdom of further expansion of this near saturation site and think we should opt for a completely new hospital on a greenfield site with plenty of further expansion room - and just about everybody thinks that the existing hospital is a parking nightmare !
The problem is that the people of Wollongong have yet to shed their " country town " thinking. We still expect to drive our cars to wherever we intend to visit - the hospital, the Mall in the city - the entire CBD - and park at the kerb outside the front door of our place of destination.
That doesn't happen in Sydney - and it has long ceased to happen here since Wollongong became one of the big cities of Australia.
There are endless grizzles that those seeking treatment or visiting a friend in hospital find it difficult to park - and usually end up walking up to three blocks to access the hospital. That has been unnecessary since the installation of the Shuttle bus system. The Shuttle runs at frequent intervals, seven days a week, providing service from early morning until late in the evening - and it is free !
Simply park the car where there is ample parking along the Shuttle route - hop on the bus - and it will drop you right at the hospital door. After the visit, the Shuttle will return you to where your car is waiting to take you home.
The parking problem is that simple !
Unfortunately the staff who work at Wollongong hospital don't always fit into this solution. Shift changes occur at very inconvenient times - often after the Shuttle service has ceased - and walking blocks on deserted streets to reach a car parked far away is not a safe option for women in these troubled times.
The government should consider establishing a car park reserved for hospital staff somewhere along the Shuttle route. This should have a full security fence, and be attended by a security officer at all times.
Staff would be relieved to know that their vehicle is safe and under care, and for those whose shift ends after the Shuttle has ceased, hospital security should have the task of driving them to their car in a hospital provided mini-bus.
There is plenty of room to find a home for an employee's car park along the Shuttle bus route. The only place this is not available - is within the few blocks immediately surrounding the hospital.
The objective should be to rid Wollongong residents of their " country town " thinking when it comes to parking - and to be innovative in providing an answer to the problems confronting the wonderful people that man our hospital.
And the existing Shuttle bus is the key to both problems !
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