How do you get to the hospital?
Health bosses are looking into whether they can make it easier for patients and visitors to get to Leicester's hospitals.
People are being asked to fill in a survey asking how they travel to and from the hospitals and what improvements they would like to see.
Drivers are asked if they would still use their car if hospital parking charges were increased.
In addition, the survey asks respondents what would encourage them to use a different mode of transport if they currently travel by car.
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It is the first time in 12 years the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust has gathered new data on travel patterns.
Ruth Ward, travel manager for Leicester's hospitals, said: "We are looking at all aspects of travel and how patients, visitors and staff get to hospitals.
"We will be looking at walking routes, car parking, cycle routes and any other routes people use. We will be doing traffic counts at all three sites and information will be used to look at what we could be doing differently."
Following the first survey in 2001, bosses at Leicester's hospitals brought in the hospital Hopper – a bus service which provides a link between Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester General and Glenfield Hospitals.
Ms Ward said: "We have made updates but this will give us a better overall picture. The document we draw up will form the basis of future plans.
"Things have changed over the years. Some clinics have moved to different hospital sites and, with an ageing population, we may have to find ways to make it easier for them to leave their car at home if they come to the hospital.
"We have also introduced car parking charges since the first travel plan was published."
Hospital staff are also being asked about how they get to work. The plan will be published later this year.
Health campaigner Zuffar Haq said: "The park-and-ride buses are essential to deal with parking problems at Leicester Royal Infirmary.
"It doesn't make sense for those buses travelling around empty 90 per cent of the time – how can that be cost-effective?"
Patients and visitors can take part in the travel survey by going to:
www.leicestershospitals.nhs.uk/
3 Comments
by Graham_LE8
Monday, March 04 2013, 12:37PM
“Quote: "Drivers are asked if they would still use their car if hospital parking charges were increased".
And because of personal circumstances or limited alternatives, the majority are obviously going to answer 'yes' - what is the obvious deduction to be made then? - increase the charges, the cash cow can be milked some more...”
by polly2010
Monday, March 04 2013, 10:10AM
“Until the 31st of March when it is being withdrawn, I and many others (over 400 signed a petition) Patients visitors and staff will use the 302 Braunstone Bus, which goes to both the Leicester Royal Infirmary and Glenfield Hospitals.
After that date it will mean two buses, doubling the fares and journey times so allthough I can see the need for the survey, I can not see how it will be of any use to save a vital bus sevice which is what is needed now.
Fairplay”
by KulganCrydee
Monday, March 04 2013, 9:40AM
“Perhaps having the Park & Ride buses actually stop at the LRI would be a start. They should run until 8:30pm to catch the shift changeover. Let's have some commonsense & joined-up thinking. It would be refreshing.”