17 April 2018
For immediate use
UNISON calls for Queen Elizabeth Hospital car park charge increase to be dropped
UNISON, the trade union representing staff at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, has reacted with anger at the decision by the trust to increase car park charges by nearly 30%.
The increase will affect patients, visitors and staff. As a result of the increase some staff will see the amount they pay double over the next few years according to UNISON.
Trade Unions at the hospital have called for talks with managers in an effort to stop the increase.
Peter Passingham, UNISON regional organiser said,
“We are concerned that this rise is actually intended to generate a surplus to help reduce the hospital’s deficit. We have asked the Trust several times for information around the running costs of the car parks and what it anticipates future income will be after any rises, but they have failed to provide it.
“The Trust currently receives around £1.3 million in car parking charges, whilst staff wages have fallen behind inflation by 14% since 2010. Over 850 staff have signed a petition protesting the increase in parking charges.
“It is wrong that staff, patients and visitors are being made to subsidise the cost of NHS treatment which is supposed to be free at the point of need.”
Media contacts:
Sasha Pearce, UNISON regional manager: 07908 651103 s.pearce2@unison.co.uk