Frustration ongoing over Mackay Base Hospital carparks

Hospital says it is providing record amount of care, continuing to look for ways to solve carparking problem.

MACKAY patients are frustrated at the lack of available carparking spaces at the Mackay Base Hospital.

The Mackay Hospital and Health Service commissioned an independent review into traffic and parking improvement proposals back in 2017.

It found the 1121 carparking spaces of which half are reserved for public use, was adequate, and proposed staggered opening times of the existing carparks to resolve the issue.

But patients are still struggling to find parks, some resorting to parking in non-designated areas.

Teala Sidley said it took her 30 minutes to find a park the past two times she had visited the hospital.

"I had to park near the river," Ms Sidley said.

"It's a bit stressful when you've got to get to your appointment."

Ann Dell said parking at the hospital was dreadful.

"We have a terrible time," Ms Dell said.

And Graham Norton turned up an hour early to secure a park.

MHSS chief executive Jo Whitehead said they recognised carparking was a source of frustration for both staff and the community.

"Demands for carparks has increased over recent years due to a growth in services and the recruitment of more doctors, nurses and other staff," Ms Whitehead said.

"Every year there are more babies born, more dental treatments, extra surgeries and more people seen in the outpatient clinics and in emergency departments.

"We are providing a record amount of care … increasing the number of parks is tricky given we are surrounded by houses and a river."

The public West Moreton Hospital in Ipswich, which has almost double Mackay's population, has a similar number of carparks with 1140 available for staff and patients.

But it also runs a free park and ride shuttle service to the hospital on loop from 6.20am to 11.15pm Monday to Friday.

Ms Whitehead said the MHHS would continue to seek staff input and look for ways to increase carpark availability, like carpooling, public transport, cycling or operating a shuttle bus.