HOSPITAL CAR PARKING AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT

That this House is aware of Department of Health and Social Care guidance on NHS patient, visitor and staff car parking principles, published in 2014; notes that the Government suggests that NHS organisations work with patients and staff, local authorities and public transport providers to make sure that users can get to hospital as safely, conveniently and economically as possible; further notes that there is no specific reference made to what constitutes an economical journey to hospital; understands that many patients and staff in areas of England not well-served by public transport have no choice but to drive to hospital and pay the parking charges; notes that 47 per cent of NHS hospitals in England have increased their hourly parking charges since the guidance was introduced; notes that these costs are met by those accessing hospital services or working in our vital public services; and therefore urges the Government to bring an end to hospital car parking charges at NHS hospitals in England.