Hospital parking fees cut thanks to sick boy
Anybody who has a loved one in hospital for an extended period will know the stress (not to mention angry incredulity) of coughing up obscene amounts of money for parking.
Friends and family of the sick and dying have been continually exploited by car park owners who know people will fork out the money to see their loved ones.
But that’s all changed now in New South Wales, thanks to the courageous advocating of 14-year-old Gidon Goodman.
Gidon’s rare blood disorder requires him to visit the hospital for regular transfusions. Shocked by the fees and concerned it would prevent people from visiting sick loved ones, he started an online petition earlier in the year to reduce the exorbitant parking fees.
The petition quickly garnered tens of thousands of signatures and in March, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced “a huge reduction in car parking fees” would be introduced at all New South Wales public hospital carparks, including the carparks run by private operators. Private hospitals do not fall under the remit.
From the start of July, the hospital parking concessions are in effect.
Patients and carers can now access concession rates for public hospital parking bringing a three-day ticket down to a maximum of $10.90 and a seven-day ticket to $21.70. Both allow multiple entries and exits. Previously, a weeklong visit to the hospital would cost around $200.
Those eligible for discounted public hospital car parking include:
- patients and carers attending hospital for an ongoing course of treatment
- patients and carers attending more than twice a week
- holders of a Roads and Maritime Service -issued mobility parking scheme permit, pensioner concession card, gold veterans affairs card or health care card
- ongoing cancer treatment patients
- cardiac rehabilitation and health promotion class attendees.
NSW health minister Brad Hazzard said the changes mean much cheaper and fairer parking fees.
"We have worked with private car park operators to get rates down to a maximum of $5.40 a day, giving patients and families real savings when they need it most," Mr Hazzard said.
A website and smartphone app have been created to provide information on fees and concessions, and eligibility criteria.