Media information For immediate release
Date: 31 July 2008
Hospital Carpark Keeps Visitors Dry
Waikato Hospital's carpark building had a busy day yesterday protecting hundreds of patients and visitors from the
stormy weather.
More than 900 vehicles were recorded using the building; the busiest day since it opened for the public in March.
Waikato District Health Board Service and Campus Redevelopment project director Ian Wolstencroft was pleased to see the
building so busy.
"The lifts were chokka, many levels of the carpark building had no spaces and our volunteers were very busy showing
people where to go.
"It's great that all of these visitors were able to stay warm and dry and that they were able to experience first hand
how the building can benefit their visit to the hospital," he said.
Since opening, the 18-level carpark building has significantly improved parking onsite and has made getting into the
hospital much simpler with direct lift access from all carpark levels.
"On these cold winter days nobody wants to be walking in the rain but that was the reality for many visitors before the
carpark building opened.
"Anyone who wasn't lucky enough to get a park outside the old main entrance had to traipse up a steep hill in whatever
weather the day presented.
"Not exactly ideal for a major tertiary hospital that gets thousands of visitors on a daily basis," Mr Wolstencroft
said.
The carpark building is now the main entry into the hospital and the primary parking area for patients and visitors.
Anyone who has parked in the carpark building but isn't going to the main hospital buildings can keep out of the rain by
catching a shuttle ride from level B5.
Mr Wolstencroft said the hospital is keen for more visitors to be using this free shuttle service for visitors.
Waikato Hospital's carpark building is part of Waikato DHB's Service and Campus Redevelopment project at both Thames and
Waikato hospitals.
For more information about the project visit www.waikatodhb.govt.nz.
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Contact:
Ashleigh Peek Communications Consultant Media and Communications Waikato District Health Board Phone: 021 359 315
About Waikato District Health Board and Health Waikato:
Waikato DHB is responsible for planning, funding and providing quality health and disability support services for the
353,460 people living in the Waikato DHB region. It has an annual turnover of $915 million and employs more than 5300
people.
Health Waikato is the DHB's main provider of hospital and health services with an annual budget of $530 million and 4500
staff. It has seven divisions across five hospital sites, two maternity and continuing care hospitals and 21 community
bases offering a comprehensive range of primary, secondary and tertiary health services.
Other Waikato DHB-funded health services - including primary health, pharmacies and community laboratories - are
delivered by a wide range of independent providers.
ends