RELEASE ON RECEIPT





                                        
Photo opportunity: On Wednesday, March 1, at 10 a.m., the Hospital
Auxiliary will present the Step-Saver Shuttle to the Medical Center
as part of the Center's implementation of a free patient parking
service. The presentation, which will take place in the circular
drive in front of University Hospital, will include a traditional
"bottle-smashing" christening of the shuttle and a demonstration of
the shuttle in use.

                                   Contact: Marguerite Beck

        U.VA. MEDICAL CENTER OFFERS FREE PATIENT PARKING

     CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA., Feb. 27--Free parking will be
available for all University of Virginia Medical Center patients
and their visitors beginning Wednesday, March 1.
     "Our patients have been telling us that they want free
parking and we've responded," said Michael Halseth, executive
director of the Medical Center. "This change is part of a major
initiative to improve service and access to our facility."
     Here's how it works. People parking in one of the hospital
garages on Lee Street will receive a ticket at the entrance gates
and should take it with them to the hospital or clinic. Patient
tickets will be validated at each clinic's registration desk.
Visitors will go to the information desk in the main lobby of
University Hospital for validation.
     If patients are parking on Hospital Drive, they will have
their ticket validated at the clinic where they have an
appointment.
     Other improvements made to revamp the Medical Center's
greeting and transport operation include:
     * A Step-Saver Service will be introduced on March 1,
consisting of a 14-passenger electric shuttle that will transport
patients and visitors from the East garage to
the front door of University Hospital. The shuttle, made possible
by a generous gift ($13,900) from the Hospital Auxiliary, will
operate from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The
shuttle will be staffed primarily by  Hospital volunteers.
     * Shuttle service is available to link the garages with
University Hospital, the Primary Care Center and the West Complex
(former old hospital and Hospital Drive clinics).
     * Hospital Drive is reserved for patient parking from 8 a.m.
to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The entrance to the parking
area is now staffed during that time to provide patients with
information and assistance. The attendant will arrange for wheel
chair assistance and/or valet parking upon request.
     * A comprehensive greeting service has been implemented at
the main entrance to University Hospital and West Complex. Staff
and volunteers greet patients and visitors at the door and
provide directions, arrange for wheelchairs or escort visitors to
their destination.
     * Valet parking is available at the front door of the West
Complex (former emergency room entrance of old hospital) for
patients with appointments in those clinics.
     For more information on free parking or other services
listed, contact Phil Moran, director of patient assistance
services, at 982-1664. For more information on the Hospital
Auxiliary or volunteer services, contact Liz Courain, director of
volunteer services, at 982-1858
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