Labour would make parking at NHS hospitals free for patients, visitors and NHS staff in government it has announced.
As the party who created the NHS to be free at the point of use, so would Labour eradicate the spiraling costs of car parking fees when visiting health services.
The commitment will be paid for by a new charge on private healthcare insurance.
Speaking in support of the announcement Cllr Stephen Morgan, Labour’s candidate for Portsmouth South, said:
“I know from family, friends and neighbours how stressful and costly parking at QA Hospital can be.
When people need hospital treatment the last thing they should worry about is parking. It doesn’t have to be that way”.
Research has shown that patients get better faster and quicker with more visitors, and therefore it is hoped this policy would lead to improved well-being for hospital patients.
Last month, a Freedom of Information request by Unison revealed some hospitals are charging staff, including nurses struggling with low wages, nearly £100 a month to park, resulting in reports of nurses having to rush out in between appointments to move their cars and avoid fines.
Cllr Morgan added:
“Labour will end hospital parking charges, which place an unfair and unnecessary burden on families, patients and NHS staff.
This is another example why our NHS needs a Labour government that will stand up for the many, not the few”.
