A landmark decision by the NSW State Government will see a reduction in car parking fees for regular patients and carers at NSW hospitals including the John Hunter Hospital.
Currently, patients and carers at the John Hunter Hospital face fees of up to $3640 annually under the parking fee structure.
The announcement from the State Government was prompted by a petition of over 70,000 signatures and means car parking concessions will become available to more patients and carers, and those who must regularly visit the hospital will now only pay up to $1102.40 per year.
Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery said while this is a great win for the community, she would prefer all assets of public health be run by public health.
"This is what happens when you outsource provisions, the outsource group are there to make a profit, and they certainly do make a profit at the John Hunter Hospital.
“This announcement by the Government will mean a huge saving for some people who have really struggled to pay the excessive fees the John Hunter were charging," Ms Hornery said.
Ms Hornery also alluded to the removal of the free park and ride bus service from former Hunter Stadium to John Hunter Hospital in response to easing car parking woes.
"People had no choice but to pay for parking at the campus and, in some cases, were forced to walk fairly significant distances in order to get to the hospital itself when they couldn't afford to pay the fees.
"It was well used, it was popular, it was safe, it meant people did not have to walk long distances just to get a car park. I would love to see that service reintroduced," Ms Hornery said.
The changes to car parking fees will come into effect as of July 1.
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| Image source: ABC news. |
