That is the view of Jenny Dale from Pampoolah about the schematic design for the proposed Manning Hospital redevelopment.

Mrs Dale cites her experience of attending Manning Hospital daily for about three weeks to visit her late husband, Peter, as the platform for her decision to request the Manning River Times try to obtain more information about plans for improvements to hospital parking.

Mrs Dale says that in November 2014 her twice-daily visits to the hospital to see her husband always involved the challenge of trying to find a carpark that was close to the hospital.

“Too often I would have to park two blocks from the hospital. When I had to walk back to the car at night, well it was quite frightening,” Mrs Dale said.

“I am a good walker but having to park so far away and needing to carry things was a challenge and at times, it felt very frustrating that I had to park a few blocks away from the hospital.

“I hope the plans will address this issue. It looks pretty but it needs to be practical.

“I talk to lots of people about the hospital and the comments are always about the parking.”

Newly appointed Lower Mid North Coast Sector general manager, Jodi Nieass advised the Manning River Times that “as part of the Manning Hospital upgrade, new parking will be provided for chemotherapy and renal patients making access to these services easier.

In addition, onsite parking will be consolidated to improve access and way-finding for people visiting the hospital.”

A second request to Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD) for additional information did not result in any further details about parking provisions.

According to a document titled, Hunter New England Health Local Health District Taree Information April 2015, “there are four disabled car parks at the front of the hospital, as well as two in York Street; 12 two-hour clinic patient car parks under the mental health unit and 10 two-hour visitors parking in York Street alongside the hospital entrance.”

Visitors and staff at Manning Hospital also access parking in York, High and Pulteney Streets.

HNELHD recently endorsed the business case for the $20 million redevelopment and it is now with the NSW government for consideration.

ainslee.dennis@fairfaxmedia.com.au