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McDowell trying to clear confusion about hospital parking

September 18, 2009|By DAVID BROCK

It has been four months since valet parking ended at Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center, and officials say there has been some confusion about patient and visitor parking.

"We have had a lot of communication from the public, much of it being positive," said director of community relations Harry Nickens. "But there are some people who think that you have to pay. We want to make sure that people know you do not have to pay to park if you are coming to the hospital."

Nickens said there are 81 visitor parking spaces in both the south lot off of Figg Alley and 80 in hospital owned portion of the lot near CVS. Those who park on the fourth level of the downtown parking garage can have their tickets validated at the hospital's Third Street entrance reception desk, Nickens said.

There also are 10 handicapped and 45-minute parking spaces outside the emergency department.

The valet system had been in place for two years before being terminated May 1.

Nickens said the service was originally intended to be in place only during construction, but it was a big hit with patients and their families. Despite the popularity of the service, Nickens said the $250,000 cost of contracting it out was too much to bear without making cuts in other areas.

"I think the biggest challenge all of us face is that we become conditioned to things functioning a certain way," Nickens said. "There is a need for an adjustment period, and I think we are getting through that."

Nickens said there have been several steps taken to try to avoid uncertainty about the new situation.

Staff members and volunteers act as guides to direct people from the south wing as well as the Third Street entrance reception area. To try and accommodate the needs of those with trouble walking, the patient transportation staging area also was moved to the Third Street entrance.

Nickens said maps of the parking layout are available in most local doctors offices.

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