Windsor Regional Hospital is offering cancer patients another parking option when they visit the Cancer Centre.
Parking is limited at the centre, and some patients live with mobility challenges.
Starting immediately, the hospital will offer those patients access to the designated parking lot on Kildare Road. They can then take a shuttle bus to the cancer centre.
The shuttle service is free, and patients will receive a permit to place on their vehicle's dashboard.
"We have heard from patients and families about the challenges finding parking when coming for cancer treatment," said CEO Kristin Kennedy. "We recognize that parking can be a source of stress at an already difficult time in a cancer patient's journey. While this solution will not eliminate all parking challenges, it is a meaningful step that provides more options for patients and helps improve access to the cancer centre."
Hundreds of patients visit the centre each week, and the demand for parking often exceeds available capacity. Windsor Regional Hospital's campuses are landlocked, and expansion of parking isn't an option.
"This initiative makes better use of existing parking resources while supporting patients who need close-access parking the most," said Vice President of Redevelopment Brandon Bailey. "It allows us to improve access today while we continue planning for the significant parking improvements that are coming with the new hospital."
The hospital says it is continuing to explore its options, including ongoing discussions with the City of Windsor about expanding street parking for cancer patients around the Met Campus.
