Christchurch Councillor Phil Mauger’s released a map on his Facebook page of where he believes a much needed hospital car park could go.

He says having witnessed in council the amount of time, effort and money spent on getting 6 lighting towers across the line for cricket it is time to focus on the needs of those who use the hospital.

He’s released a photo showing land he says is owned by the Canterbury District Health Board – next to the boiler house where there was a carpark before the quakes. “Where this old carpark was is the perfect place.” He says “for crying out loud, something’s got to happen.”

Mr Mauger says if a car park was built here it would be close to the hospital entrance and also the A & E entrance. “Being so close provides added security to nurses and the visiting public moving to their cars at night.” The hospital’s master plan shows laboratories will be built here, but Mr Maugers argues they can still go ahead on the same site. The Ministry of Health is ultimately responsible for any car park.

Previously, city councillor and CDHB board member James Gough has pointed out it us unacceptable for patients undergoing chemotherapy to be sitting in a cold dark building waiting for a shuttle to take them to the hospital.

PHIL MAUGER SPEAKS TO CHRIS LYNCH