As the QEII undergoes a major redevelopment, Nova Scotia is now footing a large bill to help with parking at the emergency department.
The Halifax Infirmary now offers valet parking – free, for ER patients.
As part of the hospital’s expansion, the Robie Street parkade came down August 26, and with it, a big change for where staff and patients would be able to park.
Senior Clinical Director for the project, Dorothy MacLeod tells us, when they received the final design of the project this summer, they knew they would need another solution for those trying to park at the ER.
“We saw that there would be 26 spaces available, and on average, up to 50 spaces per day are used. So, we recognize that there would be a group of individuals who required access to the emergency department who would need to use overflow parking.”
Overflow parking, she says, is in the Summer St parkade, across the street and not geographically ideal for those heading to the emergency department.
MacLeod adds, not only that, but there has also been some confusion for patients trying to park in the temporary lot, using it as a throughfare to get to the rest of the hospital.
Province says it’s worth every penny
The service is costing Nova Scotia $1.4 million.
However, Health Minister Michelle Thompson says it’s a safety issue and offering valet parking is not only a very good idea, but important for patients to have that reassurance.
“It’s very easy in an emergency situation…it’s not easy to think straight. So, if you’re coming to the emergency room and you’re in a hurry and you’re trying to find your way around, the last thing you need to worry about is parking.”
When reporters asked whether the service was due to “bad planning”, Thompson said those who are working on the parking situation, looked at every single option.
“We are on an active work site. I think that there are new exits and entrances. I don’t think you can really understand until you’ve been in the situation when you try to go and access care. What I don’t want is for someone to be lost on the property and need emergency services and not be able to find a place to park.”
The service launched September 16 and is available 7 a.m. to 11:45 p.m., seven days a week.
The contract is until March 31, 2028.
