BOSSES at Salisbury District Hospital say the number of parking spaces available for patients and visitors is unchanged – despite building work taking place on the site.

Work is underway on a new ward at the hospital, with parking spaces being reduced by 50.

However, NHS chiefs say the spaces have been removed from staff parking areas – not spaces used by patients and visitors.

A spokesperson said the following spaces were available:

• 14 Electric charging spaces
• 115 Blue badge spaces
• 396 Patient/visitor spaces
• 10 Drop-off/collection spaces

“As a result of some temporary disruption while we build a new ward there has been a reduction in staff car parking spaces by 50 but we have been very careful not to reduce the number of Blue Badge spaces or spaces for visitors and patients,” they added.

It came after one resident told your Gazette they had struggled to find a space while visiting a relative who had undergone an operation.

“It took me an hour and a half to find a space on one day this week,” the person, who did not wish to be named, said.

“I have no other way of getting here, so am forced to struggle to find a space every day.”

They said the Salisbury park and ride service does not stop at the hospital.

“I have tried the park and ride but it wouldn’t get me close enough to get in,” the person said.

The problems come after parking charges at the site were suspended in February.

Problems after the installation of a new number plate recognition system saw charges axed.

Wiltshire Council has been approached about the potential for a park and ride link with the hospital but was unable to comment before publication.