Hospital patients say 'sort it out' amid 'sickening' parking charge increase

Yahoo

20 hours ago

Parking charges have been increased at three Midlands hospitals, and the news has left people less than impressed.
Some branded the price hike "sickening" and a "tax on the sick", while others said there were other issues The Royal Wolverhampton and Walsall Healthcare NHS Trusts should "sort out" first.
Wolverhampton's New Cross Hospital and Cannock Chase Hospital saw the new fees introduced on Tuesday, July 1, while charges will increase at Walsall Manor Hospital from Monday, July 21.
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Although those using the car parks for 15 minutes or less will not be charged, the fee for all other stays will increase by 20p, 50p or £1 - full details can be found here.
When the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust posted about the news on Facebook, many voiced their frustrations.
Janet said: "It wouldn't be so bad if you could get a car space at New Cross."
The comment attracted 23 likes and a response from Stacey, who said: "I know, I was driving around for 30 mins trying to find one."
Becky added: "There are too many services on one site and not enough parking spaces as it is, yet you put the prices up.
"I've ended up either missing an appointment or having to to get to site at least 45 mins before an appointment so I can find a space."
Teresa branded it a "tax on the sick", adding: "It's sickening to put prices up again."
Maria wrote: "I always get a taxi rather than risk driving to New Cross. It's a lot easier."
Natalie also had strong feelings on the matter and made them clear in a lengthy post.
She said: "You need to sort your parking out at New Cross before even considering charging more.
"Unfortunately I've been coming regularly for four years and it remains horrendous and very stressful, particularly when you leave the house really early, get onto site in plenty of time then spend 45 min trying to park.
"The amount of times I've been late for appointments! And often I've been tempted to give up and go home.
"This must lead to massive inefficiencies on the already stretched and pressured appointment system.
"Your barrier system is awful and quite often won't let cars in thinking it's full when I've seen spaces.
"It's no wonder so many park on grass verges, double yellows, blind spots.
"It's a mess you really need to sort it out!"
There was a similar response over on the Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust's post.
Kerry tagged a pal and wrote: "Will be more cars outside again."
Chloe said: "Would help if you could get a space in the first place.
"Maybe put the additional money into a multi-storey at Walsall and more parking at New Cross."
In a joint statement, Will Roberts, chief operating officer at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust and Gwen Nuttall, managing director at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, said: "We appreciate any increase is going to affect people using our services and we have avoided doing this for as long as possible.
'But we do have to introduce these slight increases in line with other costs that are rising that the trust has to meet.
"We are still offering free parking for people with disabilities and concessions for patients who require lengthy or regular courses of treatment as well as parents whose babies are being cared for on our Neonatal Unit.
'The income raised goes back into the trust and, acting on feedback, we are improving our car parks by looking at how we can offer app payment for example.
'Our teams also offer many more phone and video consultations, where appropriate, so fewer patients are having to travel and incur charges.
"This is also having an effect on our clinics meaning those for whom a face to face appointment is necessary are having shorter waits and report a more efficient service.'