State Member for Wallsend, Ms Sonia Hornery MP, will today raise the issue of traffic gridlock at the John Hunter Hospital in Parliament.
The road network in and around the Hospital has reached breaking point and gridlock is a daily occurrence.
In July 2015 an additional 740 car parks were added to the Hospital which now means thousands of extra car movements per day on a single entry and exit point.
Ms Hornery has written to the Hunter New England Local Health District, the Minister for Roads, the Minister for Health and the Roads and Maritime Service but is yet to receive a response.
Quotes attributable to Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery
“I have raised this issue on a number of occasions, but so far I have been ignored by the relevant authorities.”
“I have written to all the relevant authorities for an update on the Newcastle Inner City Bypass Stage 5 but cannot get an answer. I cannot even get an update on where the plans are up to from the local RMS.”
“If they won’t respond to my letters then they will have to listen to me raise it in Parliament today.”
“On two occasions in March, there was such a buildup of traffic exiting the Hospital, that staff and visitors were held up for upwards of an hour while trying to leave. I have been advised that this is a regular occurrence.”
“Anyone who travels past the Hospital at certain times of the day know the congestion back out onto Lookout Road in both directions.”
“Staff and paramedics are concerned that because the roads around the Hospital are so congested, that ambulances are being delayed in getting critically ill patients to the Emergency Department.”
“The problem would be eased greatly by the Minister for Roads ensuring a full interchange is built as part of Stage 5 of the Newcastle Inner City Bypass.”
“This Government loves to talk up its record of listening and consulting with the people of the Hunter. Dozens of staff and patients have contacted me about this – I’m sure thousands more have plenty to say about it.”
“So to the Government I say, here is the perfect opportunity for you to listen.”