In a significant move to enhance patient and visitor experience, the Board of Causeway Hospital has approved a business case to invest over half a million pounds in expanding car parking provisions at the facility. The capital project, amounting to £560,000, aims to create an additional 90 parking spaces at the rear of the hospital site.
Currently, Causeway Hospital has 843 parking spaces, yet the car park frequently reaches full capacity, causing congestion and delays for patients, visitors, and staff alike. The expansion is expected to alleviate these issues and improve accessibility to the hospital’s services.
Paddy Graffin, the Director of Infrastructure, emphasised the urgency of the project, stating, “We know there is a pressing need for additional car parking spaces at Causeway, particularly as we look towards bringing additional services on-site with the opening of the new MRI unit later this year.” He further noted the hospital’s vision to evolve into an elective hub, which would likely increase foot traffic in the coming years.
Graffin expressed hope for future improvements in public transport links to reduce reliance on personal vehicles. He acknowledged, however, the geographical challenges that make car travel the primary option for many staff, patients, and visitors.
The project is contingent upon planning approval, with work anticipated to commence in 2026.