As a regular outpatient at Mater Dei in recent years I had rarely experienced an underground parking problem and always found some nook or cranny, albeit after a search.

The operators, in view of the acknowledged parking problem, have always been lax and understanding, allowing parking on pavements and other awkward spots, so long as safety and security were not jeopardised. I have never experienced an unmanageable queue to enter or exit.

There was one barrier to go in and two to go out. The machines were slot operated and rarely out of order.

Now a new operator and disaster. The barriers are two in and one out. Slot machines have given way to ticket scanners which are difficult to operate and not even comprehensible to non IT savvies. Queues to get in  (as far as the main hospital roundabout)  and queues to get out (as much as three levels down), as many grapple with scanners.

Another onlyinmalta.com situation? Why was the operator changed? Okay, perhaps another trustworthy person and friend who needed a job. That’s the order of the day. But at least he could do it properly.  This is a hospital. Relatives of patients may be distraught and in a hurry. And nerves are already frayed anyway. Serious action please.

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