Wrexham Maelor Hospital’s Second Exit Due to Open in April

A long-awaited second exit from the Wrexham Maelor Hospital is set to finally open in early April this year.

The exit, which leads from the overspill car park onto Croesnewydd Road was installed several months ago to help ease congestion – however has remained fenced off since work completed.

In December 2016 Wrexham.com reported that work to open the second exit was ongoing, with a meeting scheduled between Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB), Welsh Ambulance Service and Wrexham Council to finalise the opening date.

The issue of car parking and use of the second exit at the Wrexham Maelor Hospital was raised during a very lengthy meeting between Wrexham Council’s Safeguarding, Communities and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee and representatives from BCUHB on Wednesday 18th January.

Clarification was sought by members of the committee on how car parking and congestion at the hospital car park is being tackled, with a series of questions posed to the health board prior to this week’s meeting.

In a written response the health board listed 11 options currently being looked at, including the introduction of a park and ride, car share schemes for staff and selective demolition to allow for more parking space.

Speaking at Wednesday’s meeting Cllr Phil Wynn again raised the issue of parking at the Wrexham Maelor Hospital and if a date had been set for the opening of the second exit.

He said: “Obviously whilst not a medical issue it affects everyone that visits the Maelor by car with the parking facilities.

“Thank you for the detailed response however in itself it doesn’t give the timeline of when things will happen. I am aware as local member that discussions are ongoing with the planning department at Wrexham Council with regards to opening up the rear access from the rear car park.

“I know there has been dialogue going on for at least over a year that will allow us to pursue the cycle way which will join up through the site.

“Has there been any timelines you can indicate, as I think that will have a major impact on car flow in that locality.”

Chief Executive of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Gary Doherty noted that there was a date for the rear exit to be opened and that details would be emailed to members of the committee as he did not have it precisely to hand.

He added: “There has been a lot of uncertainty as to when, but a definitive date has now been agreed. It is something staff when I have been on the site have raised with me. I think it will have a big impact and hopefully really ease.”

After the meeting Wrexham.com queried with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board for details of the date and were told: “Subject to planning approval and the completion of necessary works, the entrance to Wrexham Maelor Hospital on Croesnewydd Road is scheduled to be open for use by early April.”