There were no apologies for absence.

The notes of the meeting on 5 October 2011 were agreed and signed.

Members had had sight of a letter from the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) representative at Watford GeneralHospital.   The Chair noted that of the seven complaints on car parking received, five had related to Watford. 

Signage

The Chair pointed out that the letter said that a number of signage improvements had been made across the three sites at Watford, St. Albans and Hemel Hempstead.  She noted, however, that no improvements appeared to have been actioned at Watford; she reminded the task group that the hospital directors who had attended the previous meeting had said that work on these improvements was on-going.   

One Member advised that signage for the 30-minute ‘free’ bays was not good. 

Members AGREED that signage and information about the 30 minute bays should be improved.

The Task Group discussed parking areas for visitors and staff.  Several Members noted that it was unclear which parts of the car park were for staff and which for visitors. 

Members AGREED that improved signage was required to distinguish where visitors could park.

Members noted that the sloping nature of the car park could be hazardous in bad weather and AGREED that signage warning of slippery roads would be prudent.  Members also suggested that it would be wise to indicate the distance from the entrance to the hospital reception. 

Concessions and Payments

Members discussed methods by which information on parking concessions was disseminated to patients and visitors.  The letters from the PALS representative advised that emails explaining the criteria and a copy of the concessionary parking form were sent to Matrons, Departmental Managers and Divisional Managers.  Members noted that this information was not always filtered through to those who needed this information. 

One Member referred to the minutes of the previous meeting and noted that the Associated Director of Strategic Development had said that some wards had been using out-of-date forms.  He advised that all ward staff should be aware of the concessions which were available. 

Members also discussed concessions for carers.  They noted that whilst ward staff would define who qualified as a carer, it was the carers themselves who must make the application for a concession.  One Member said that nursing staff should not necessarily be responsible for making decisions on concessions; this task should be performed by the ward administrator.   She added that the ward administrator should notice ‘patterns’ of visiting and advise of concessions where appropriate.  Other Members pointed out that it would not necessarily occur to visitors that they would be entitled to concessions and that ward staff should be more pro-active in proffering information.  

Information Availability

Several Members said that they had visited the hospital and had been offered very little information and neither had they found information leaflets.   One Member suggested that a booklet could be prepared giving all necessary information; one booklet could then be placed at each bed.   Members agreed that this would be helpful for visitors and would not cut into nurses’ time.  Topics covered in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

To be confirmed.

Members proposed that the next meeting be at 6.00 p.m. on Wednesday 30^th November 2011.