If arriving by car, please note that we have a limited number of patient and visitor car parking spaces at Downe Hospital.
The increasing requirements for the provision of hospital services have inevitability led to additional pressure on car parking. Our car parks can be extremely busy so please allow at least an extra 20 minutes at peak times for your journey to allow you to find a space. The Trust would unreservedly apologise to visitors for the delay that may occur during times of queuing.
Access to the Hospital is via the Main Entrance on the Struell Wells Road. The site operates a 1-way system with 1 entrance and 1 exit on site.
As one enters the site, following the road towards the main entrance there is a large car park on the right (Car Park 2) for all visitors and patients.
Car Park 1 & 3 are staff only car parks.
There are Drop off/Pick up spaces to the left hand side indicated by the red line on the map below. No parking is permitted in these areas for any length of time.
Please be aware that car parking enforcement is operational on this site.
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Disabled Parking
A total of 14 spaces are designated Blue Badge Holders on the Downshire Hospital Site. These are identified on the map with a .
Disabled Blue Badge Holders will have access to designated parking spaces within Car Park 2.
Blue Badge Scheme rules apply and the badge should only be used when the holder is present either at point of arrival or departure. Any vehicle parked in a space for a blue badge holder must have a valid blue badge displayed.
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Responsible parking
Please park responsibly when parking at our hospitals.
- Do not speed – There is a 15 mph speed limit on our sites and 5mph in car parks, this is in place to keep our patients, staff and visitors safe.
- Switch of your engines when idle.
- Please be aware of pedestrian crossings.
- Please do not park on double yellow lines, pavements or hatched areas.
- Only park in designated parking bays.
- Do not cause an obstruction to traffic or access to buildings.
- Do not park over space lines and park in a single space only.
- Please take the time to read our signage and avoid potential enforcement.
Enforcement
Parking Enforcement Zones throughout the site are clearly designated. Where the registered authorised provider has identified a vehicle that requires the implementation of enforcement measures the following procedure will be adopted. A Parking Charge Notice (PCN) will be applied to the vehicle.
Details of the charge and how it should be paid will be contained in this notice. Wheel clamps may be applied in certain circumstances and will not be removed until the payment charge has been received. A notice in these circumstances will be applied to the vehicle advising the driver that the vehicle must not be removed and advising how the release fee may be arranged. All disputes concerning enforcement will be the responsibility of the company who have been contracted by the Trust through recognised Procurement Protocols. An appeals process is identified on the PCN or notice of clamping.
Cycling Facilities
On the Downe site there is a bicycle shelter provided on the left hand side beside the main entrance.
Public Transport
Translink services to the site can be accessed and planned via this link: Journey Planner
Hospital Travel Cost Scheme
You may get financial help from the Hospital Travel Cost Scheme if you are on a low income and need Health Service Treatment at a Hospital. Further Information can be access via this link.
Hospital Travel Costs Scheme | nidirect
Trust Premises Smoke Free
The Trust has been Smoke Free from March 2016, smoking is prohibited in Trust buildings, grounds and car parks by service-users, visitors, staff or contractors.