Monday 12 January 2009

UNISON pledges support for Paul Martin's bill to abolish hospital parking charges

Labour MSP Paul Martin is launching a members' bill to scrap all charges in NHS car parks. His bill would apply across the Scottish NHS estate, including hospitals such as Ninewells and Glasgow & Edinburgh Royal Infirmaries, which continue to levy charges.

Paul Martin's bill is officially launched at a photocall with NHS staff unions at Glasgow Royal Infirmary on Monday morning. He said: "My bill will make it illegal for a health board to levy parking charges on patients, visitors or staff – or anyone who has to visit a site for whatever reason.

"If commercial sites like Braehead and the Fort can provide free parking, it is a sad reflection that people who are being cared for in hospital and their families have to pay to park.

"It is an extra hassle that patients and their families do not need at what is already a stressful enough time."

UNISON Regional Organiser Matt McLaughlin said: "We need a comprehensive solution to car parking across the NHS in Scotland. UNISON is backing this bill to ensure that the needs of patients, visitors and staff are met, in Glasgow and across Scotland."

Ends

For further information please contact: Andrew McFadyen on 07824 694 677 (for Paul Martin MSP) Matt McLaughlin on 0790 434 1979 (for UNISON Scotland)

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