NHS warns of 'disproportionate effect' of new fees

The council has proposed a £3.50 fee for parking for more than five hours at the George Park and Ride

Hospital bosses have expressed concern about the impact proposed parking charges could have on NHS staff.

Plymouth City Council (PCC) has proposed the introduction of long-stay parking fees at the George Park and Ride, near Derriford Hospital, after it found drivers had been leaving cars without using the bus service.

Director of infrastructure at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, John Stephens, said they wanted to work with the council to "find solutions which avoid disproportionate effects to NHS colleagues".

A PCC spokesperson said the public had been asked for their views on the proposed £3.50 daily long-stay charge and the responses would be considered before making a decision.

Union GMB said it stood "with local hospital leaders in opposing the proposed new parking charges at the George Park and Ride".

It urged PCC to work with hospital bosses to find a "fair solution" which protects staff from additional costs.

"Introducing a £3.50 daily long-stay fee will have a disproportionate and unfair impact on low-paid NHS staff who already face significant financial pressures just to get to work and care for patients," GMB said.

"For many of our members, including cleaners, porters, nurses, midwives, healthcare assistants, pharmacy staff, facilities and administrative staff, this charge represents yet another hidden pay cut.

"NHS workers should not be penalised simply for coming to work."