There is “no end in sight” to parking woes at the north-east’s flagship hospital, critics warned as the NHS admitted it still did not know when problems with a new £10.7million car park would be fixed.
The much-needed facility at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary opened on October 25 after more than a year of construction.
But it was closed just one day later to allow for work on “lifts, lighting and other areas” and is still closed six weeks later.
NHS Grampian said at the time that the closure had been planned as part of a short “soft opening” and that there would be “periods where the car park is not open to users over the next few weeks”.
The health board has repeatedly declined to disclose details of the problems that have beset the multi-storey – which is being paid for by The Wood Foundation – simply blaming “electrical problems”.
A spokeswoman said health chiefs were as frustrated as patients and visitors by the delays.
“The public will recall that we had to close the multistorey car park at short notice due to electrical problems.
“We are still awaiting site testing and verification by the manufacturers to confirm that critical electrical mains components will continue to provide the resilience required.
“Unfortunately we are currently unable to reopen the car park until this further assurance is received.
“To have such a facility completed but unavailable is as frustrating to us as it is must be to our patients and visitors.
“We are continuing to work with the contractors to ensure the installation can be signed off as quickly as possible.”
North East MSP Lewis Macdonald said: “There seems to be no end in sight for this repair work.
“Many visitors will be particularly concerned that they will still face difficulties parking while they go to see their poorly family members, especially with the run up to Christmas.”
“NHS Grampian needs to take a look at the problem and make sure they know exactly what it is, and how to address it.”
More than 10,000 vehicles currently visit Aberdeen Royal Infirmary every day and many drivers are forced to park in nearby residential areas.
Fellow North East MSP Peter Chapman added: “Patients and families across the north-east will be extremely frustrated at the ongoing closure of this badly-needed facility.
“The health board must ensure that it communicates clearly with the public and outlines exactly when we can expect this car park to open.
“It is equally important that any unresolved issues are dealt with fully, as the last thing people want is to have it shut again within days or weeks of re-opening.
“This multistorey car park will bring enormous benefit and will be very much welcomed by anyone who has to travel to ARI.”
