More parking will now be available at Port Macquarie Base Hospital with the completion of the first stage of a $11.5 million dollar car park expansion.
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There are now 113 extra parking spaces for staff in the new car park which is accessible via Toorak Court.
Port Macquarie MP Leslie Williams said the car park will alleviate the pressure on the main car park area where staff have been parking.
She described it as a significant milestone, acknowledging that a lack of parking at the hospital was an ongoing issue.
"We get some great compliments about the world class health facilities we have in Port Macquarie but one thing people do get frustrated about is not getting a car park," she said.
"We can underestimate how important car parking is, but it is the first impression and if they are already frustrated they can't find a park it translates when they visit the hospital."
Mid North Coast Local Health District Governing Board chair Warren Grimshaw said he was delighted the staff car park was finally ready.
"I wondered if it would ever happen," he said.
"When I first came here there was a lot of bush and scrub, I think there were snakes around.
"To see it evolve into what it is today is a magnificent achievement."
Stage Two of the project will involve the construction of additional car parking spaces for patients and visitors.
"The total investment will deliver more than 300 new car parking spaces, helping to ease the burden on staff, patients and visitors to the busy regional hospital," Mid North Coast Local Health District chief executive Stewart Dowrick said.
Stage 2 remains on track for completion in late 2020 at which time paid parking will be introduced across the hospital campus.
