Published on 01 October 2009 by Guy Colclough in Latest News

During our long stay at the wonderful Hope Hospital (Salford Royal) we were overwhelmed by the care and support Zoe and our family received. Now, perhaps we would take for granted the support offered by the team of doctors, consultants and nursing staff. But what was very obvious to us was the team of support services that underpinned the angels of the neuro unit. Without these service teams, the more visible consultants and nursing staff could not operate with such effectiveness.

We were particularly impressed and thrilled by one team of unsung heroes – the car park staff. This band of merry men (we didn’t see any ladies) went about their everyday tasks with enthusiasm, care and helpfulness. Not the officious, aggressive approach that one might expect. Now any reader who has ventured this far might say what is Guy talking about?

I will simply state the obvious. In times of crisis or emotional strain, any of us would take parking the car for granted. But sudden emergency admissions, late nights at the hospital bed, unexpected calls or no change or broken ticket machines can lead to unwanted and unnecessary stress. But not at Hope Hospital! Whether day or night, rain or shine, the car parking attendants always excelled helping those of us who were visiting their sick and loved ones.

I would like to contrast this service with that of another local hospital that attended Zoe trauma – Steeping Hill hospital. Whilst receiving equally exemplary nursing care there was an underlying severe shortage of parking. This led to what might at best might be described as dire service. Compare not being able to park your car, having to feed meters, not being able to buy long term tickets or the constant threat of clamping – simply because there was no space to park. Not the kind of stress you may feel is required when dealing with difficult personal circumstances.

So, a big mention of thanks to the enlightened management team at Hope Hospital for recognising the importance of customer service and a big thumbs down to Steeping Hill.

We hope numero operates like this … and as an important client of our says “every little helps”.