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Review of hospital parking fees | Review of hospital parking fees |
(about 3 hours later) | |
A review of car parking charges at NHS hospitals has been ordered by the Scottish Government. | |
Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said visitors and staff should be protected from unnecessary or excessive charges. | |
The move comes days after the public sector union Unison said it was to ballot NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde staff on strike action. | |
The health board welcomed the review. Hospital authorities said the charges were important in tackling congestion. | |
In some hospitals visitors can be charged up to £7 a day. | |
Legitimate response | |
The review will examine the impact of charges on staff, particularly lower paid workers. | |
It will also consider the appropriateness of blanket policies. | |
Ms Sturgeon said: "Car parking charges are a legitimate response by NHS boards to the difficult problems of congestion and ensuring adequate space for patients and visitors. | |
Car parking charges will be introduced at the RAH later this year | |
"However, people working or visiting hospitals across Scotland should be protected from unnecessary or excessive charges. | |
"The cost of hospital car parking, especially for lower paid members of staff who do not qualify for a parking permit, can be a large expense." | |
The minister added: "I understand the concern that has been expressed to me by many people who work in the NHS." | |
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said it would play a full part in supporting the review. | |
A spokesman said: "It is clear there are challenges faced all over Scotland in ensuring that patients, visitors and staff who need a car for vital duties can access hospital car parks when they need to. | |
"Our existing policy will remain in force during the review." | |
The health board said it would continue with plans to introduce car parking charges at the Royal Alexandra Hospital (RAH), Southern General Hospital and Stobhill Hospital later this year. | |
The review group is expected to report back to Ms Sturgeon in November. | |
It will be the second time that hospital parking charges have come under top-level scrutiny. | |
In February, the then First Minister Jack McConnell told NHS bosses to reconsider charging arrangements after he was taken to task by angry nurses at a public meeting in Glasgow. | |
New arrangements have since been introduced at Glasgow hospitals, cutting the maximum daily parking charge from £12 to £7. | |
The number of patients and visitors qualifying for free parking was widened and a sliding scale was created for staff permits. |
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