Unlocking the Puzzle: The New Criteria for Parking Permits at Belfast Hospital

The Health Minister has detailed how parking permits at a Belfast hospital will be given out, and who will be given priority. Last month, staff at the Royal Victoria Hospital were told parking spaces would be denied to more than half its staff.

Criteria for Permit Allocation
The Health Minister has detailed how parking permits at a Belfast hospital will be given out, and who will be given priority. Last month, staff at the Royal Victoria Hospital were told parking spaces would be denied to more than half its staff. The Belfast Trust said the plans were designed to ensure patients and visitors can access the hospital. Parking and traffic at Northern Ireland's busiest hospital site have plagued patients, visitors, and staff alike for years. Staff were told more than half of those who apply for a parking permit will be told no and advised to cycle or take public transport to work instead.

New Assessment Criteria
The Health Minister has now detailed who will be given priority in provision of the 2,000 parking permits, and the basis on which this will be determined. Read more: Belfast Trust to deny parking spaces to more than half of RVH staff Read more: Drug dealing at Belfast hospital site on the rise, says Trust In response to a written question from DUP MLA Michelle McIlveen, Minister Nesbitt said the Department of Health has requested all health trusts "implement an assessment of demonstrateable 'need' for designated staff car parking spaces/permits." The assessment criteria will take into consideration individual circumstances, operational requirements, and the individual’s ability to access alternative and sustainable forms of transport. Detailing how this will work, the Minister said the Belfast Trust will apply the following assessment criteria when assessing staff parking permit allocation: The Health Minister said: "Carry out shift working as a requirement of the post and a set rota (scheduled rota to regularly start before 7:30am or finish after 7:30pm). OR Required to use private vehicle on a daily basis to directly deliver/or provide critical support* to patient or client care as part of role.