RBHS Car Park Guide

Parking at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children (RBHSC) and Royal Victoria Hospital (RVH)

Navigating hospital sites can often be a source of stress, particularly when it comes to finding suitable parking. This guide aims to clarify the parking arrangements for visitors attending the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children (RBHSC) and departments located within the Royal Victoria Hospital (RVH) complex. Understanding these arrangements will help you plan your journey and arrive at your appointment with less hassle.

Understanding the Hospital Sites

It's important to distinguish between the two main hospital entities mentioned: the Royal Victoria Hospital (RVH) and the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children (RBHSC). While both are situated on the same extensive hospital site, they are distinct buildings with their own specific parking facilities and access points. The RBHSC is a separate building, generally located closer to the Broadway entrance of the overall hospital grounds.

RBHSC Parking

For patients and visitors attending the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children (RBHSC), there is a dedicated carpark located just outside the clinic. This is often the most convenient option for those with appointments specifically at the RBHSC. However, it is crucial to be aware that spaces in this car park can be limited, and queues are not uncommon, especially during peak hours. Therefore, it is highly recommended to allow extra time for parking when visiting the RBHSC.

RVH Parking and Departmental Access

For visitors attending clinics and departments within the Royal Victoria Hospital (RVH) itself, the primary parking facility is the main RVH carpark. This carpark serves a wide range of outpatient clinics and services located within the RVH complex. Similar to the RBHSC carpark, queues can be a frequent occurrence at the main RVH carpark. It is advisable to factor in potential delays, which can sometimes exceed 15 minutes, when travelling from the main carpark to your specific RVH clinic or department.

Immunology Day Centre (IDC)

The Immunology Day Centre (IDC) is situated on the first floor of the Elliot Dynes building, which is located on the Royal Hospital Site, opposite the 'Children's' hospital. Visitors attending the IDC are required to park in the main RVH carpark. While there are limited disabled parking spaces available directly outside the Elliot Dynes building, these are typically reserved for those with significant mobility issues. If you have mobility challenges, you may find it more convenient to arrange for a friend or family member to drop you off directly at the entrance.

Paediatric Outpatient Clinics

As mentioned previously, all paediatric clinics are located within the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children (RBHSC). Therefore, the parking advice for the RBHSC, including the use of its separate carpark and the recommendation to allow extra time, applies here.

Outpatient Clinics at RVH

When attending outpatient clinics at the RVH, always check your appointment letter for the precise location of your clinic, as these can vary. The main RVH carpark is the designated parking area for patients attending these RVH clinics.

For specific areas like 6B, 7A, and 7B Outpatients, which are located in the old outpatient building, access is gained through the main RVH building. Upon entering the main RVH, take the escalator to level 2. Proceed to the lifts at the end of the corridor (avoiding those along the corridor itself) and select the relevant floor.

General Anaesthetic Allergy Clinic

This clinic is located on level 9c of the critical care building, which is an integral part of the main RVH building. To reach it, enter the ground floor reception of the RVH and take either the escalator or a lift to level 2. From level 2, walk along the main RVH corridor. Towards the end of this corridor, you will see a sign for the critical care building on your left. Take this exit, and immediately you will find a lift on your right. Use this lift to ascend to level 9. Upon exiting the lift, the reception will be on your right. It is important to note that you should not use the lifts located along the main RVH corridor itself.

Lung Defence Clinic (LDC)

The Lung Defence Clinic (LDC) is situated in the Regional Respiratory Centre (RRC), which is located on the Belfast City Hospital (BCH) site. The entrance to the RRC is found to the left of the main BCH entrance. Please note that this is a different hospital site from the RVH and RBHSC, and therefore has its own parking arrangements.

Important Considerations for Parking

To ensure a smooth experience, consider the following:

• Allow Ample Time: Queues for both the main RVH carpark and the RBHSC carpark can be significant. Always build in extra time for parking and walking to your appointment.
• Check Your Appointment Letter: Your appointment letter will contain vital information about the specific location of your clinic or department, which can influence your parking choice.
• Mobility Issues: If you have mobility problems, consider being dropped off by a friend or family member at the most convenient entrance. For the IDC, contact the department in advance to discuss any specific requirements.
• Disabled Parking: Limited disabled parking is available outside the Elliot Dynes building (for IDC) and likely within the main RVH and RBHSC carparks. Familiarise yourself with the specific locations upon arrival.

Summary Table of Parking Arrangements

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Does the RBHSC have its own car park?
Yes, the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children (RBHSC) has a separate carpark located just outside the clinic. However, spaces are limited, and it is advisable to allow extra time for parking.

Q2: Where should I park if I have an appointment at the Immunology Day Centre (IDC)?
Visitors to the Immunology Day Centre (IDC) should park in the main RVH carpark.

Q3: Are there disabled parking facilities available?
Yes, there are limited disabled parking spaces available outside the Elliot Dynes building for the IDC, and typically within the main RVH and RBHSC carparks. It is advisable to arrive early or contact the hospital in advance if you have specific needs.

Q4: How long does it typically take to get from the main RVH car park to the clinics?
It can take over 15 minutes to reach RVH outpatients and up to 15 minutes to reach the IDC from the main car park, especially during busy periods. Always factor in this travel time within the hospital grounds.

Q5: What should I do if I have mobility issues?
If you have mobility issues, you may prefer to be dropped off directly outside the relevant building by a friend or family member. For specific requirements, such as at the IDC, it is recommended to contact the department in advance of your appointment.

By understanding these parking arrangements and planning accordingly, you can make your visit to the RBHSC and RVH as smooth and stress-free as possible.

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