Valet Service Ends to Save Money at Norman Regional Hospital

With the economic climate, many people, businesses and organizations are having to tighten their belts and cut back on services, and Norman Regional Hospital is no exception.

Monday, August 17th 2009, 7:01 pm

By: News 9


By Gan Matthews, NEWS 9

NORMAN, Oklahoma -- With the economic climate, many people, businesses and organizations are having to tighten their belts and cut back on services, and Norman Regional Hospital is no exception.

Six months ago, Norman Regional reduced its workforce by seventy positions. That included the valet parking service. Many were sad to see it go.

"We've used it for years. We've been here since the 90s. It was nice to have and a convenience for the elderly folks," said Norman resident Rod Edsel.

"It was nice when it was raining. You know, stuff like that. Or you're in a big hurry to get to the hospital, you know, late for something or whatever. I'm sure the elderly are going to miss it very much," said Norman resident Sherry Edsel.

The hospital said by eliminating the valet parking, it was able to keep eight to 10 essential, clinical employees. But the cost savings didn't please one Norman resident. Her letter to the editor of the Norman Transcript said savings should have been sought elsewhere.

Apart from that, Norman Regional said it has received few complaints. The valet service is gone, but patients with special needs can make arrangements with hospital security to be picked up in the parking lot and transported to the entrance they need.

The hospital also has covered entrances at curbside and wheel chairs at every entrance. Still, it's not as easy as it once was for the elderly.

In an unhealthy economy, cuts sometimes arrive in the interests of health.

The parking service at Norman Regional was operated by Med-Valet of Oklahoma City. The owner said Med-Valet still offers parking service at five metro hospitals.

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