Tuesday 9 February 2021
Over 200 health workers at Epsom and St Helier Hospitals are calling on the trust’s Chief Executive to banish parking charges
Lucy Mayer reports:
Response regarding parking charges at Epsom St Helier in light
of GMB statement
During
the unprecedented times of this pandemic, we have introduced a number of
measures to support our amazing staff – including free hot meals every day, and
a broad range of measures to aid staff health and wellbeing.
We
did have free parking in place whenever possible from March to January (during
which time, parking revenue from staff was less than 10% of the £3.3 million
referenced). Unfortunately, as we began to reinstate outpatient appointments
and planned care procedures following the first wave, our car parks became far
too busy, and we had no other option but to re-introduce some charges simply to
manage demand.
Despite
offering all staff access to free and discounted parking options nearby,
as well as increasing our free park and ride services and
introducing additional pick up and drop off spots, the situation had become so
difficult that we were causing large tailbacks onto public highways, and
finding a space was so challenging that staff were late for work and patients
late for long-awaited appointments.
Importantly, the parking rates our staff pay are relative to their
salary and the vast majority of staff can park for less than the cost of a TfL
bus fare to and from work. Furthermore, we are already aligned with the Government’s
recent commitment that all disabled blue badge holders, frequent outpatient
attendees, parents of children staying overnight, as well as night shift NHS
staff, are given free parking at hospitals.
posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 6:10 pm