WILLITS, Calif. – In response to patient requests for more parking around the hospital, Frank R. Howard Memorial Hospital (HMH) has developed new programs to free up parking spaces near key service areas.

HMH will now actively monitor and enforce the timed parking spaces in the front of the hospital, also known as the “Lion’s Entrance.”

The goal is to keep spaces available for short-term patient visits for services such as lab work or medical imaging.

When available, security can provide wheelchair assistance for patients with limited mobility to registration, lab or medical imaging.

Patients who are planning to stay at the hospital for an extended period of time are asked to park on Madrone or Poplar Streets.

In addition, HMH is rolling out a program to encourage employees to park in designated areas labeled “HMH Permit Parking Only.”

“These new plans will help relieve some of the stress of parking until we move to the new hospital where ample parking will be available,” HMH Chief Executive Officer Rick Bockmann said.

HMH established a tradition of continually striving to improve patient-centered care many years ago and the tradition lives on through the efforts of our leaders, employees and staff.

The hospital has partnered with Planetree, a program designed to enhance and improve the patient experience in our quest to reach the next tier of excellence.

“With our Planetree initiative, our goals are to enhance every patient’s experience and to provide individualized care and service,” Planetree Coordinator Diane Moratti said. “We have empowered employees and staff to anticipate patient needs and take ownership of providing excellent care, including making hospital services easier to access.”

The Mendocino Transit Authority (MTA) has added a local bus route that makes frequent stops at two locations near the hospital, Babcock Park and Little Lake Health Center.

For more MTA route information, call 707-459-9038.

Also, the Willits Senior Center provides a shuttle that runs to and from the hospital. For senior center shuttle information call 707-459-5556.

Schedules for the MTA and information about the senior center shuttle are available at the HMH information desk and the security office.