I have experienced and understand a lot more about the care provided by our hospital and staff this year.

I was admitted for a number of days, while my wife, daughter and grandson have all had to call on the wonderful support provided by the dedicated doctors, nurses and staff at our hospital.

I have had the opportunity to observe our nurses and staff in action and chat to them as they went about their work: caring for me and my family members; cleaning every surface; donning protective clothing to protect themselves so that they may protect us all; placing themselves at risk in the process.

We who live in Goulburn and surrounds are so blessed to have such a dedicated team of people, who daily put their lives at risk in this changing world of a Covid-19 pandemic.

One of the questions I asked most of the people who cared for me/us, was "What do they think of the new hospital?"

There were varying responses but most mentioned the lack of parking.

I didn't know this new building, when it opens later this year, will have no additional parking provided!

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My experiences so far this year reveal to me that being a 'guest' or a visitor to the hospital can be stressful when there is no parking available.

I learned that nurses sometimes have to park blocks away, particularly if they are on a change of shift when the high school day ends, as parents of students are also looking for parking too!

These nurses, who have cared for us in our illness, then have to, in the dark and cold and perhaps a wet night, walk blocks away to find their car to get home.

Meanwhile, the construction workers for the new building have been provided a secure parking area on the corner of Goldsmith and Fitzroy streets, so they can be close to their work.

I understand that this secure parking site for construction workers will be done away with and returned to grasslands once the hospital construction is complete.

If my understanding is correct, can you please reconsider this plan, and turn the parking area over for our dedicated nurses and hospital staff to use, providing them a sense of security, particularly at night.

This approach would also free up more parking for visitors to the hospital as well as people who live in the area.

Thank you for your consideration.