Salem Hospital Begins Valet Parking Service Monday

The valet parking service is beginning about a month before the hospital begins demolition of the patient-visitor parking structure in order to build a 21st century hospital

(SALEM) - Beginning Monday, Salem Hospital Regional Health Services will launch its new valet parking service.

Available to both patients and visitors, the free service will run from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Valet stops will be located at the front entrance of Salem Hospital at 665 Winter Street SE, and the Center for Outpatient Medicine at 875 Oak Street SE.

"Valet parking services are especially valuable at hospitals, because they can help people focus on their health and their loved ones, instead of worrying about parking," said Richard Raskin, parking specialist with Walker Parking Consultants.

"Valet parking also eliminates that all too frustrating 'Now, where did I park?' moment that we've all experienced," says Raskin.

The valet parking service is beginning about a month before the hospital begins demolition of the patient-visitor parking structure in order to build a 21st century hospital. Patients and visitors will take over much of the current employee parking structure and most employee parking will move to a new surface parking lot one block east.

In the 21st century hospital that is being built, all patient rooms will be private and can be adapted to other uses over time, operating rooms will merge imaging and surgery into what are called interventional suites, information technology plays a vital role, and rooms will be designed to help patients heal more quickly.

"After being in the same location for many years, people are familiar with the pathways to the hospital and how to get to their destination. We know the changes in parking locations, and the construction activity happening on the streets of the campus, will cause confusion for our patients and visitors," said Norm Harris, Vice President for Professional and Support Services.

"We hope that many of our patients and visitors will take advantage of our valet parking service, so they don't have to worry about parking."

Salem Hospital selected AVP, a firm that specializes in healthcare hospitality, to provide valet and shuttle services during the hospital's major construction project. AVP has been involved in healthcare and hospitality guest services for 21 years. AVP employs more than 1,000 employees in 32 states.