West Hertfordshire hospitals to extend free staff parking

Since the pandemic, NHS Trusts in England revoked parking charges for staff, to aid workers who were facing increased demands.

On Friday the scheme, that costed £130m over the past two years, will come to an end at most hospitals - which has caused a backlash from unions and the public.

However, staff at the West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust were informed today that despite the national move, fees will be waived for another month until May 1.

Helen Brown, deputy chief executive, told staff: “Providing parking facilities costs the trust money and without the subsidy (which was introduced at the onset of the pandemic) we cannot continue to offer free parking for staff.

“We have extended the free parking for one month past 1 April, when the funding ceases, but any further extension would eat into funds that are intended for patient care.”

Watford General Hospital

Despite the local trust continuing support for an additional month than seen nationally, Watford Observer readers have argued that workers should not have to pay to go into their workplace.

One reader, Maxine Raphael, said: “All staff working on hospital sites should have free parking, and get their cars washed while at work.

“Hospital parking is a crazy situation and extremely costly when regularly visiting for over a week which is very common. Hospital parking should be provided by not for profits and nominal parking fees.”

CGI of construction at Watford General

Another person, Anita Gorman, said: “How can they make them pay? They are going to work to look after the public and work long hours, they need to get to their cars quick and easily late at night.”

“We should be looking after our NHS and remember what the do and what they have done when Covid was so bad.”