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16/09/2010
Hospital Parking Fees Here To Stay
The coalition government has announced that car parking charges for hospitals based in England are set to stay.
The previous Labour administration had pushed to scrap parking fees for in-patients and regular out-patients, however the coalition agreed that there were better uses of public money than abolishing the charges.
Parking remains free at the majority of hospitals in Wales, Scotland and for priority groups in Northern Ireland.
Simon Burns, Health minister commented: "Hospitals need to take responsibility for their own car parking arrangements.
"The requirement to provide concessions is clear, guidance is available, and local concerns where they exist need to be addressed. Hospitals need to make sure that they are behaving fairly."
Last year, Andy Burnham, Labour Health Secretary promised to scrap the charges, which raise approximately £110m a year. The move would benefit all regular in-patients and outpatients.
The Health minister added: "Labour cynically announced their policy with the general election in mind, without ever properly identifying the funding for it.
"Even if funding was available, the costs associated with investing this money in car parking rather than in healthcare are estimated at £200 million in lost benefits to patients. Even if funding was available, the policy is unworkable.
"It would require costly policing to ensure there was no abuse of free parking, and there would be even more of a scramble for limited parking spaces. There are better uses of public money."
Ciaran Devane, Chief Executive at Macmillan Cancer Support, responded: "The government has failed cancer patients today. It's simply not good enough to pass the buck on to local hospitals and wash their hands of the impact of such a disjointed policy."
(BMcN/GK)
The previous Labour administration had pushed to scrap parking fees for in-patients and regular out-patients, however the coalition agreed that there were better uses of public money than abolishing the charges.
Parking remains free at the majority of hospitals in Wales, Scotland and for priority groups in Northern Ireland.
Simon Burns, Health minister commented: "Hospitals need to take responsibility for their own car parking arrangements.
"The requirement to provide concessions is clear, guidance is available, and local concerns where they exist need to be addressed. Hospitals need to make sure that they are behaving fairly."
Last year, Andy Burnham, Labour Health Secretary promised to scrap the charges, which raise approximately £110m a year. The move would benefit all regular in-patients and outpatients.
The Health minister added: "Labour cynically announced their policy with the general election in mind, without ever properly identifying the funding for it.
"Even if funding was available, the costs associated with investing this money in car parking rather than in healthcare are estimated at £200 million in lost benefits to patients. Even if funding was available, the policy is unworkable.
"It would require costly policing to ensure there was no abuse of free parking, and there would be even more of a scramble for limited parking spaces. There are better uses of public money."
Ciaran Devane, Chief Executive at Macmillan Cancer Support, responded: "The government has failed cancer patients today. It's simply not good enough to pass the buck on to local hospitals and wash their hands of the impact of such a disjointed policy."
(BMcN/GK)
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Reid gives 'green light' for £4bn PFI hospital deal
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
