It is wrong, it is expensive, and it is unnecessary.
That’s how Dr Mike Freelander has labelled the introduction of paid parking at Campbelltown Hospital in a letter to the NSW premier, Gladys Berejiklian.
The federal member for Macarthur says it’s not just patients and hospital staff who will be out of pocket; nearby hospitality businesses will also suffer loss of trade as a result of paid parking.
“Parking spaces are only ever used by those needing to visit the hospital; there is no need for paid parking here whatsoever,” he says.
Dr Freelander also points out that the hospital is poorly served by public transport and as such, many individuals opt to drive for work and medical procedures.
“Having worked in the medical field for close to 40 years, I cannot think of any appointment that you can get in and out of in under 15 minutes,’’ he says in the letter to Ms Berejiklian.
“From a starting price of $6.80 through to $20.20, this is expensive and will have severe financial implications on patients and staff.
“Not only am I concerned with the introduction of paid parking in the first instance, I too am concerned with the costs of such a ridiculous policy,’’ Dr Freelander wrote.
“It too will have implications on surrounding business, with local cafes and restaurants surely affected with former patrons now needing to reduce their spending to save funds simply to park a car at a hospital.
“I too find it to be insulting considering the hard work and tireless efforts of our medical personnel during Covid-19, who have already had their wages frozen and now will have to pay to go to work.
“Premier, I urge you not to implement these absurd costs on the staff, patients and visitors of Campbelltown Hospital and reverse the decision to introduce paid parking.’’
I live at Mount Annan but it’s two bus rides for me to get to appointments. If I go by car, hubby has to drive round until he gets a park. We’re no better off with the car park if we have to pay, it becomes unaffordable if I have a long appointment or tests.