A security barrier will be installed at Trentside Clinic in Stone this week to control the number of vehicles that use the car park there.
Bosses at the clinic, which is based near the canal off Crown Meadow, say the car park has become a “serious health and safety risk to visitors and staff during busy periods”.
An intercom will be incorporated into the barrier system to enable visitors with mobility problems and those arriving by taxi or using the drop-off facility to gain access as normal.
All other visitors are asked to leave their vehicles on one of the public car parks in the town centre when the barrier is down because the car park is full. Trentside Clinic can be accessed via the canal bridge at the end of the lane next to Crown Street Garage on Crown Street.
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12 comments
Sarah
I attended two baby groups and baby weight checks at Trentside from Dec 2013 to Aug 2014 and I was fortunate that I do live within walking distance so could push my baby in her pushchair. However, I have found that the barrier is constantly down and I have seen many cars being turned away when they try to gain access. Some of the Mum’s came from further afield and found this tricky as they would park on the gravel patch near the canal and cart everything they need the rest of the way. I felt especially sorry for the Mum’s how had, had a c section or those who had to cart around twins. When I attended the anti – natal sessions one couple had parked nearer the private houses just past the clinic and the receptionist came in and told them to move their car otherwise residents were ready to call the police! Very heavy handed! Perhaps there could be special circumstances for those with mobility issues, young babies or indeed or heavily pregnant attending the preparation for parenthood classes. It was tricky to attend my first few appointments with the midwife in the middle of winter with a newborn and nowhere to park.
Susan W
It says on the barrier box notice that “access is restricted to those with blue badges, midwifery patients, those with walking difficulties and for drop off/collection only” ….. it applies to both patients and visiting NHS staff. Which is fair enough, it isn’t just mothers and babies that use the place. Ante natal classes are not held at Trentside – they haven’t been since the beginning of February !!
Jenny
I meant for very new mums in need of support for breastfeeding, nervous new mums meeting others in the same situation, having babies weighed and checked before they’ve recovered from their own labour/surgery stitches and everything else. These people should be encouraged to attend classes and support groups and are probably not in a position to walk a long way or could easily be put off. If they’re very nervous, in pain, or have been up all night for weeks, another obstacle could make it easy for them to put off accessing help. It’s not a case of being on the road to obesity.
Thank you Jamie for your reply, it’s good to know how it will be working and where another car park is if needed as I have friends with babies due jabs in the coming weeks who could easily turn up by car and not be aware of the changes. Me included, but I shall be walking!
Dawn
I agree with Jenny wholeheartedly. I had a c-section a few months ago and my baby girl was due to attend Trentside Clinic; I must admit I was put off accessing services there as putting up and down a pushchair and honking baby with my stitches still fresh was not a terribly practical or indeed comfortable proposition.
jan
In this circumstance all you had to do was to explain at the intercom and you would certainly have been let in ! No one in your position would have been refused entry. It is not that they don’t want to let cars on the park – there is just not enough spaces available. They have to keep their spares for people such as yourself, the elderly, infirm and those who are either heavily pregnant and those who have just given birth. This is explained quite clearly on the notice at the point of entry. Those who can walk the short distance across the bridge from Crown Street should respect that there are some people who need the spaces more than they do. On the whole the process works very well.
Jan
Felt I must reply to Jenny. Immunisations are NOT carried out at Trentside. This procedure is done at the doctors. Please don’t go to the wrong place !
Wally
No wonder obesity levels are rising amongst young children if mothers will insist on driving them door to door. The baby clinic at north walls, Stafford is always well attended and there are only public car parks available, there never has been one for patients. This is also the case at Cannock. My friend walks a 3 mile round trip to the baby clinic as it most beneficial for both her and her baby. Last time I looked, prams have wheels?!
Jen
While you’re asking, could you find out if the muddy (non-tarmac) car park you pass along the drive can be used?
It’s a shame their solution sounds like a ban on all non-mobility cars. With gov funding cuts, baby classes are getting more expensive (many no longer subsidised) and fewer available. Making it physically harder to get to any held at Trenside isn’t good for new mums 🙁
Jamie Summerfield
The barrier will only be down when the car park is full at busy periods. When this happens, the best place to park is the town council’s boatyard car park (which is free) off Crown Street. This is just a few minutes’ walk away over the canal bridge. Staff at the clinic say the decision to install the barrier is because of how dangerous the car park can be when there are too many vehicles parked on it
Jackie Brain
What about the people that have children in prams? Or multiple kids? Are we supposed to drag our kids around Stone? Trentside is also a health clinic for babies !
Jamie Summerfield
Hi Jackie / Steph. Thanks for the questions – and apologies that I haven’t got an answer to hand. I will call the lady from the clinic who sent me the information and get back to you as soon as I can
Steph
What happensif you have an appointment then but not have any mobility problems etc…can we still use the car park with very young children?!