Background and Policy Objectives
3.The Member believes free parking at hospitals will reduce the burden on patients and visitors who are already physically, psychologically, and financially impacted by the experience of ill health. Additionally, it will reduce the financial burden on Health and Social Care (‘HSC’) hospital workers, many of whom the Member notes are underpaid for their work in the health service. Finally, abolishing hospital parking charges will promote equality of access for rural patients and workers who may not have the same access to public transport as their urban dwelling counterparts.
4.Furthermore, the Member considers there to be inconsistencies between HSC Trusts regarding car parking regulation and pricing for patients, visitors and staff, despite attempts by the Department of Health to seek greater consistency.
5.The Act has a single policy objective:
To prohibit the imposition by Health and Social Care hospitals of charges for car parking.