Free parking for Southmead Hospital carers thanks to new scheme

The Carers Support Scheme from North Bristol NHS Trust benefits unpaid carers supporting inpatients at the hospital, by allowing them to apply for free parking while they visit their loved ones.

The scheme also gives the opportunity to apply for an access card, giving them access to the ward, and to the staff restaurant.

Carers can access free parking and an access pass by speaking to a member of staff on the ward.

Previously carers could park at a discounted rate on the Southmead Hospital site, but in response to carers feedback, the scheme has been amended to enable carers to apply for free parking.

Hospital carers liaison worker, Kate Sykes, said: “These concessions for carers acknowledge the invaluable work that carers do in supporting the person they care for in the ward environment.

“They come in and can spend all day with someone if that is what they and the patient want to happen. That is of great benefit to the patients and also for the ward staff as this helps them more readily meet the patient’s needs in partnership with the carer.

“There were concessions for carers previously, but this takes it a step further and has a huge impact all round.”

She added: “Providing access to the staff restaurant also makes a huge difference to carers, who are spending hours on the ward every day, as it gives them the chance to spend some time away from the ward and to get a hot meal.”

Customer care manager for the Travel and Parking Office, Colin Hemsley, said: “We have received feedback from people who feel they are trying to support the hospital by coming in to care and now we have been able to come up with a positive solution that will improve their experience.”

Dementia matron, Jet O’Neill, said: “This is about enhancing the experience for the patient and carers and helping to provide personalised care.”

For more information visit: https://www.nbt.nhs.uk/patients-carers/carers/carers-support-scheme