AFTER reading the letter from Paul Jenkins in the Chronicle (May 11) I felt I must write in regard the lack of parking at the Royal Berkshire Hospital. I agree totally with everything he said.
In January this year I took my friend who has serious osteoporosis for her appointment, she died shortly afterwards.
But, when I took her, even though I have a blue badge I could not find any parking.
I drove up and down in the car park for 45-50 minutes before dropping her off at the 2nd floor near the reception desk.
She could hardly walk but I told her I had to drop her or she would miss her appointment then to ring me at home when she finished.
I drove to the exit point and when I put my ticket in the machine it came up with the message ‘you have exceeded your 30 minutes parking. Please pay at machine.’ I had six to eight cars behind me and the stupid idiot in the car behind me kept tooting his horn.
I asked a few people where the pay point was but not one of them knew. Thankfully two ambulance men walked past and I asked them. One of them rang reception and they allowed him to use his card to let me out.
My experience at my previous appointment was no better. I was trying to ge tin off Redlands Road only to find a fence blocking off the few spaces where ambulance used to go in and yellow lines on the pavement meaning I couldn’t even park there.
At least someone moved their car in Redlands Road so I parked there.
I then had to walk a long way down Redlands Road which was very difficult for me, I went in the entrance nearly on London Road.
When I visit my GP I always say please do not send me to the Royal Berkshire Hospital.
I drove out to Thatcham on Monday as it is much easier to park there, for free.
I saw a specialist there as I have very painful osteoarthritis in my left thumb, only to be told I will be referred to a specialist at the Royal Berkshrie Hospital.
I suppose this means I will have to get a taxi there and back at some expense due to a total lack of parking.
Fiona Ledger
Tilehurst
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