State Member for Wallsend, Ms Sonia Hornery MP, is calling on the Health and Roads Minister to sort out the gridlock at the John Hunter Hospital before it costs a life.
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.
Quotes attributable to Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery
“In 2015 we saw the Government stop the free park and ride shuttle bus service from Hunter Stadium and open up 740 new car parking spaces.”
“This has placed thousands of additional cars on the roads in and out of the John Hunter Hospital.”
“On 17 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.”
“I have written to both the Health Minister and the Roads Minister and asked them to help resolve this problem.”