26 Aug 2014

Parking disruptions for hospital

6:26 pm on 26 August 2014

A park and ride scheme for patients and visitors to Christchurch Hospital may have to rely on volunteer drivers if it goes ahead.

Christchurch Hospital.

Christchurch Hospital. Photo: RNZ / Karen Brown

A major redevelopment of the hospital is set to begin late next month and is predicted to cause major disruption to motorists according to District Health Board meeting minutes.

Chief executive David Meates said volunteer groups might be called on to drive a circuit from the hospital to a nearby car park and back again.

"An example would be utilising a car park some distance away from the hospital and working with volunteer groups and others to have a vehicle going from the car park every five to ten minutes."

Mr Meates said 150 car parks will be lost around the hospital but visitors and patients can park on an empty building site about two blocks away.

He said parking will continue to be a problem for the next four to five years.