Car wars - doctors petition over parking gridlock

Practice managers at Kirkcaldy Health Centre have called on both patients and staff to support a petition to end employees from the nearby Victoria Hospital being allowed to park in the health centre’s car park.

Visitors to the busy centre, which houses four GP practices, as well as offices and a number of other treatment rooms, are being forced to abandon cars on grass verges, across pavements and in

nearby residential streets, because the car park remains full.

In a statement, centre managers have urged visitors to support a petition in a bid to end the escalating problem.

“There is no doubt that you have all experienced problems trying to park in the car park of Kirkcaldy Health Centre,” said a spokesman.

“The reason for this is that anyone, including staff from the Victoria Hospital, has been granted unrestricted use of the car park, thus preventing patients, health centre users and centre staff from being able to park.

“We firmly believe that this is wrong and furthermore, is contradictory to the sign at the car park entrance stating that parking is permitted for patients and Kirkcaldy Health Centre staff only.

“Please be assured that we, all the doctors and practice managers from all four practices within the health centre are doing our utmost to ensure that we get our car park back.”

Patient Jim Fyfe who visits the centre on a weekly basis, told the Fife Free Press that the situation has deteriorated significantly in recent months.

“It’s a nightmare, it’s impossible to park what ever time of day you arrive,” said Mr Fyfe.

“Being forced to use streets further away, or at the hospital overflow car park at the top of Whyteman’s Brae is unacceptable and simply not practical, especially for those with disabilities.

“Someone within NHS Fife has to find a solution soon.”

NHS Fife has confirmed that hospital staff are allowed to park in the health centre car park .

“NHS Fife takes its parking obligations seriously and we are aware of ongoing issues with parking on the Kirkcaldy Health Centre site.” said an NHS Fife spokesman.

“The Health Centre is very busy due to the number of practices on site and the services provided, as well as its close proximity to both Whyteman’s Brae and Victoria Hospitals.

“NHS Fife staff are permitted to park in any of NHS Fife’s sites and security staff at Victoria Hospital endeavour to assist with parking throughout the site wherever possible.”