Many facilities at the Tauranga Hospital are wonderful.
But one facility has become far more difficult in recent years – parking within easy walking distance of the hospital.
It's hard enough finding a park during visiting hours, but it's very difficult finding a carpark when you're attending an outpatient appointment.
In the last two years my parents, aged almost 81 and almost 90, have been to inpatients, follow up specialist and day or stay procedures.
When possible, a family member or friend drives them, not because they're incapable of driving, but because of the carparking. situation.
I've driven them twice since June.
Both times the closest park I found was outside Historic Village.
There is no way I'd get my elderly parents to walk uphill from Historic Village to the lift from the carpark.
I emailed the DHB about the carparking.
The board replied: 'Consideration has previously been given to the erection of a multi-storey parking building, but the costs of the build would require the DHB to charge for parking and this is seen as presenting an obstacle for some people to attend for clinics etc”.
My parents just paid $50 for a permit, so they can get my father to clinics.
Yes, my father can use the permit elsewhere but hasn't needed it.These appointments are often very stressful, without adding the stress of getting a park. What are future plans for parking at Tauranga Hospital?

Diane Jeffery, Te Puke.