Parking is being abused at new Downe Hospital

SIR, — I read with interest your article on the car park at the Downshire Hospital.

I recently had to attend the hospital for a routine x-ray and upon arrival I found I had to drive around the car park several times before I found a space. I eventually found one and entered the hospital expecting to see throngs of people within. The interior was deserted and in the x-ray department I could have sworn I saw a tumbleweed make its way down the corridor.

I stood there for some minutes, and eventually a kindly cleaner happened along and enquired “Are ye all right there?” He went into a room and eventually someone came out and tended to me.

My question is this: In a practically deserted hospital to whom did the multitude of cars in the car park belong to? Staff have their own car park. Are people using this as a free car park while they catch a bus into town, or maybe even further afield? Surely not.

As long as parking remains free in the hospital grounds,it will be abused. Forward the Redcoats.

Yours etc.,

G. TWEEDIE,

Downpatrick.