DUP MLA Maurice Bradley met with representatives from Killowen Medical Centre last week after receiving numerous complaints from patients attending a wide range of clinics located at Castlerock Road, who had received parking notices.
“I think the first thing we must point out is that the clinic has reluctantly agreed to have cameras in their car park as a result of patients having difficulty parking at the Killowen practice,” said MLA Bradley.
“I would like to thank Practice Manager, Beverley Goldsworthy and Dr Tracey for taking the time out of their schedules to meet with me.
“My office has been inundated with queries about parking notices, most of those issued with notices had no idea of the new parking restrictions at the Killowen practice.
“I can confirm that the clinic is getting no remuneration from this exercise, it is aimed at solely freeing up spaces for patients of Killowen Medical Centre.
“Patients using the Killowen practice, who expect to be there longer than 30 minutes should enter their registration number at reception which will make them except from any parking charges.
“The clinic advises that patients of the community clinics, which includes podiatry, speech therapy, dental and Coleraine Health Centre should be using the spaces provided closest to County Hall, not car parking spaces at the front of Killowen Medical Centre.”
During the meeting Mr Bradley was able to highlight problems that patients who had contacted his office had encountered, including drivers who had been sent parking notices for using the car park in the evenings and at weekends.
“The clinic is aware that the car park is used after surgery hours,” said MLA Bradley. “I know that they had asked for the cameras to be switched off during these times, however the company were unable to facilitate this.
“They are not against people parking to walk their dogs or to use the shops at Waterside out of surgery hours, however they have asked that those using the car park out of surgery hours to use the spaces marked with doctor’s names, where cameras are not present.
“Having looked around all three medical practises, the community clinics, Coleraine Health Centre and Killowen Medical Centre, I think it is very clear that there is limited parking available for the number of patients seen collectively over the three sites on a daily basis.
