Health chiefs are “adopting the brace position” as they prepare for patients being unable to park at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
Work will start within weeks on the £10million facility funded by the Wood Foundation.
But most existing parking will be out of action for the duration with patients told to use public transport, get a lift or park further away.
NHS Grampian chief executive Malcolm Wright recognised that the “significant short-term impact” would be unpopular with some.
“There are going to be challenges around this and we are adopting the brace position,” he told a meeting of the Board.