We are writing to formally request that Ward 2 staff be granted access to the NCHER carpark.

The NCHER carpark is the closest parking facility to Ward 2 and would significantly improve both staff safety and accessibility, particularly for those working night shifts. Currently, Ward 2 staff are required to park in the multideck carpark, which is approximately a 10-minute walk from the ward, compared with a two-minute walk from the NCHER carpark.

This extended walking distance presents a safety and wellbeing concern, particularly for staff finishing 10-hour night shifts. After working overnight, staff are often fatigued and commuting home while sleep-deprived. Requiring an additional 10-minute walk to reach their vehicle unnecessarily prolongs this period of fatigue and increases the potential risk to staff safety. Providing access to the NCHER carpark would reduce the distance staff are required to walk, offering a safer and more practical option when commencing and finishing shifts.

Granting Ward 2 staff access to the NCHER carpark would also demonstrate the hospital's commitment to its values of Safety, Kindness and Together, by ensuring staff have equitable access to the safest and most practical parking option available. We believe that access to the closest available carpark is a reasonable and important measure to support the wellbeing and safety of staff working across all hours, particularly those commencing work before dawn or finishing late at night.

Since the relocation of Outpatients and Allied Health staff to the ACC building, it has become evident that there are now several vacant parking spaces available within the NCHER carpark for both NCHER staff, students and hospital staff. Given this increased availability, we do not understand why Ward 2 staff continue to be excluded from accessing this facility.

We have attached a signed petition supporting this request and respectfully ask that the current parking arrangements be reviewed. We believe granting Ward 2 staff access to the NCHER carpark is a practical, fair and meaningful step towards improving staff safety and wellbeing.

Thank you for your time and consideration. We look forward to your response and hope this request can be given favourable consideration.