Ambulance bays at hospitals are being misused as parking spots by some motorists, creating a "nightmare" scenario for ambulance crews. A concerned ambulance service worker revealed that cars often obstruct the ambulance bays at regional hospitals. Although these aren't emergency ambulance bays, the individual said it's causing significant difficulties for both crews and patients, and there are instances when these bays are required for urgent patient transfers.
A photograph provided by the staff member underscored the problem at Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor, but they also reported similar issues at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd in Bodelwyddan and Wrexham Maelor Hospital. In response, the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board told North Wales Live that "misuse of these spaces can impede healthcare operations and our ability to respond effectively to patients", urging all drivers to adhere to parking regulations. For the latest Welsh news delivered to your inbox sign up to our newsletter.
The frustrated healthcare worker, who did not want to be named, said: "Getting to those bays is a nightmare due to the approach being blocked by staff and visitors alike, we have as staff complained to both Betsi and the Welsh Ambulance Service to sort these issues urgently, like memos to staff, handing out parking fines but nothing is being done about it. All we want is to ensure safe passage for our patients which is sometimes proving impossible," reports North Wales Live.
They continued: "This is the same each and every night, and now apparently during the day too, this needs to be sorted because we are finding it harder and harder to park near entrances at Bangor, Glan Clwyd, and Wrexham, even getting to the ambulance bays is an impossible task due to parking on the approach road to it."
In response, Dr Sree Andole, BCUHB's interim executive medical director, made clear that the designated areas are preserved solely for ambulance use: "All parking bays designated for ambulances on our sites remain exclusively for their use, as these spaces are critical for maintaining patient safety and efficient service delivery." To emphasise the importance of keeping these areas clear, Dr Andole added: "While this area is not used by emergency ambulances, it is still not appropriate for general parking. Misuse of these spaces can impede healthcare operations and our ability to respond effectively to patients."
"We all have a shared responsibility to act thoughtfully, especially when it comes to guaranteeing access for emergency vehicles. We work closely with our colleagues in the Welsh Ambulance Service to try and minimise these issues, which is why we prioritise access and parking for ambulances. I encourage both staff and visitors to consider alternative transport options, where possible, and to please observe our parking guidelines, such as double red lines for emergency routes, disabled spaces and dedicated ambulance parking." The Welsh Ambulance Service said they were letting Betsi health board lead on the issue.
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