LLRA recently met with Ian Jerams, Director of Operations for the NHS Foundation Trust, to review areas of common interest with St George’s. A number of issues were discussed, including:
Benbow Way, Vehicle & Pedestrian Access
The original retractable bollard design, to stop vehicle access to the hospital from Benbow Way, has been rejected as being inadequate. The hospital are now proposing to install gates for both vehicle and pedestrian access. The vehicle gate will be closed at all times, other than for access in case of emergency. This should encourage vehicles to use the hospital’s Long Leys Road entrance.
The hospital asked LLRA for guidance on how the pedestrian-only gate should be managed for the benefit of residents. Locking it may discourage hospital staff from parking on Carram Way (although they can still do this and walk through the Carram Way entrance) but would also block access to residents who visit the Discovery Cafe or responsible dog owners that use this route through the hospital grounds.
The hospital is keen to know whether residents feel the gate should be locked or left open. At the LLRA AGM on 22 May, residents with an interest will be consulted, with the meeting consensus (if there is one) fed back to the hospital. If you are unable to attend the AGM and wish to make any comments, please email them to: LLRA@long-leys.org.
Early Visibility of Hospital Future Plans
At the meeting, LLRA advised of its intention to develop a Neighbourhood Plan for the area and the hospital confirmed they would be keen to play an active part in the consultation process. LLRA asked about any potential future developments at the St George’s site:
- In the next 12 months, some services, not needing to be located at the hospital, may move to other locations within Lincoln.
- In the longer term, funding is being explored for a proposal to develop the area currently occupied by Trust House and Gervas House. The proposal could see two wards, currently at Lincoln County Hospital, moved to St George’s. This may result in the addition of a small pharmacy and shop to serve patients and the wider community.
LLRA and the hospital will ensure the community are kept informed of any progress on future developments. The hospital is aware of our concern over the potential for disturbance to residents of any future building work.
Bus Service
In the light of recent events, LLRA encouraged the hospital to open a dialogue with Transport Services on opportunities for improving the St George’s bus service, to better cater for the shift patterns of hospital staff .
Litter on Footpaths
LLRA made the hospital aware of its general concerns over littering of footpaths. The hospital offered to play its part in helping to address this issue with staff, patients and visitors.
Ian Jerams has kindly offered to attend the LLRA AGM, to provide further information if needed.
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