Southmead Hospital's App for Easier Parking

Navigating hospital car parks can often be a source of stress, particularly for individuals with disabilities. Recognizing this challenge, Southmead Hospital has taken a significant step towards improving accessibility and reducing visitor anxiety by developing an innovative tablet application. This initiative, driven by patient feedback, aims to simplify the process of free parking for blue badge holders, making their hospital visits smoother and more convenient.

The Genesis of an Innovation: A Patient's Perspective

The development of this user-friendly system stems directly from the invaluable input of a patient, Sarah Cox, who regularly utilises Southmead Hospital. Sarah brought to light the considerable difficulties she and others faced with the existing parking registration process. Previously, drivers were required to manually input their blue badge and vehicle registration details into a parking machine, a task that proved cumbersome and time-consuming, especially for those with mobility issues. Sarah's direct experience and constructive feedback were instrumental in prompting a change. She collaborated closely with the hospital's parking team and the parking machine supplier, a partnership that ultimately led to the creation of a bespoke tablet application designed to streamline and simplify the entire registration procedure.

Introducing the 'Move Makers' and Their Crucial Role

To facilitate this new system, Southmead Hospital has introduced a dedicated team of volunteers known as 'Move Makers'. These individuals are strategically positioned in the main reception of the Brunel building, a central hub for many hospital visitors. Dressed in distinctive bright pink and green shirts, the Move Makers are readily identifiable and available to assist blue badge holders. Their primary function is to utilize portable tablets to register the necessary details for free parking. This hands-on approach significantly reduces the time and effort previously required by patients and visitors, alleviating potential worry and ensuring they can reach their appointments without unnecessary delays.

Simplifying the Parking Process: How it Works

The new tablet application allows the Move Makers to efficiently upload the required blue badge and vehicle registration information on behalf of the individuals they are assisting. This digital solution bypasses the need for manual input at parking machines, thereby eliminating a significant barrier for many. For blue badge holders who have parked in disabled bays, it remains essential to continue displaying their blue badge clearly in their vehicle's window.

The Move Makers' support extends beyond the main multi-storey car park. They are also equipped to assist blue badge holders who have parked in the designated disabled bays at the Women's and Children's Health and Gloucester House car parks on the Southmead site. This comprehensive approach ensures a more consistent and supportive experience across different areas of the hospital campus.

Beyond Parking: Additional Support Services

The commitment to enhancing the visitor experience at Southmead Hospital doesn't end with parking. The Move Makers offer a range of additional services designed to make hospital visits more comfortable and accessible. Free wheelchairs are readily available for use by patients and visitors who may require them. Furthermore, the Move Makers can personally drive patients and visitors from the Brunel building to their appointments or wards in a dedicated buggy, providing a convenient and stress-free transfer. For those requiring assistance navigating between different locations on the Southmead site, the Move Makers also have two electric wheelchairs available. These can be requested from the Move Maker office to facilitate outpatient transfers, further demonstrating the hospital's dedication to supporting its patients and visitors.

Quotes from Key Stakeholders

The impact and significance of this new system have been echoed by key figures within North Bristol NHS Trust:

Arron Grant, North Bristol NHS Trust’s Parking Manager, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “This new system will reduce hassle and worry for disabled people and their families, making it easier to get to an appointment on time. Just look out for our fantastic Move Makers in the atrium of the Brunel building, who will be on hand to help in their bright pink and green shirts.”

Simon Wood, North Bristol NHS Trust Executive Director of Facilities, highlighted the importance of patient feedback: “We are very grateful to Sarah for taking the time to tell us about her experience and we are certain many blue badge holders will benefit from now on.”

Jill Randall, Move Maker Manager, shared her pride in the team's contribution: “I’m delighted that my Move Maker team are able to provide another helpful service to patients and visitors to the Brunel building.”

Comparative Analysis: Before and After the Tablet App

To illustrate the improvements brought about by the new system, consider the following comparison:

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Who can benefit from this new system?
Blue badge holders who need to park at Southmead Hospital, particularly those requiring assistance with the registration process.

Q2: Where can I find the Move Makers?
The Move Makers are primarily located in the main reception of the Brunel building, identifiable by their bright pink and green shirts.

Q3: Do I still need to display my blue badge?
Yes, it is still crucial to display your blue badge clearly in your vehicle's window when parking in a disabled bay.

Q4: What if I parked in a different car park, like Gloucester House?
The Move Makers can also assist blue badge holders who have parked in the Women's and Children's Health and Gloucester House car parks.

Q5: Are there any other services offered by the Move Makers?
Yes, they offer free wheelchairs, buggy services to appointments/wards, and electric wheelchairs for transfers on-site.

Conclusion: A Model for Patient-Centred Care

Southmead Hospital's development of this tablet application is a commendable example of how listening to patient feedback can lead to tangible improvements in service delivery. By creating a more accessible and less stressful parking experience, the hospital is not only addressing the practical needs of blue badge holders but also demonstrating a strong commitment to patient-centred care. The initiative, powered by the dedicated 'Move Makers', serves as a positive model for other healthcare institutions seeking to enhance the overall experience for all their visitors.

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