‘Unethical and scandalous’: Patients slam rising hospital car park costs

Hospital parking prices are always a bone of contention with people, as many begrudge having to fork out to park the car whilst visiting the hospital for treatment or calling on ill loved ones.

One hospital in Brisbane faced a backlash this week when staff wrote to patients and families to advise them that the price of parking at Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital, managed by Mater Health Services, was set to be hiked within the next month.

The letter, published by the Courier Mail, read: “We appreciate and acknowledge that the cost of car parking is a real concern for many families and visitors, and CHQ is committed to improving access and affordability of parking.

“Families experiencing financial hardship may be eligible for parking assistance, such as concessional parking or free public transport. We have a policy in place for concessional parking at a rate of $12 per day for parents, carers and families, where there is evident financial or social need.”

The cost of all-day parking is set to rise from $30 to $35 per day, while the charge for two to three hours will go from $23 to $24.

Commenting on the story, one angry local wrote: “I just find it unethical to charge at hospitals for parking. I know they claim it goes back into the hospital but there is no way it all does with the amount the make everyday.”

Another said: “An absolute disgrace. We must demand more from our political parties. Cheaper electricity, cheaper water, cheaper fuel and cheaper parking. STOP voting for them people!”

Pricey parking isn’t only an issue in Brisbane though, as patients visiting The Alfred, in Melbourne, have to splash out $27 per day, or $20 for three to four hours. And people visiting Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, in Sydney, have to fork out as much as $38 for between four and seven hours of parking at the hospital’s privately owned parking lot.

However, those visiting Royal Perth Hospital seem to have the best deal for parking, as the website lists charges of $3.50 for one hour of parking, Monday to Friday, and $11 for an entire weekday. The hospital website also states that patients who require ongoing care may be eligible for subsidised parking. 

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Starts at 60 readers are among those who believe that hospital patients should not have to pay for parking, with one saying: “I think parking at hospitals should be free. Sometimes chemo treatment can go all day & as if that’s not bad enough… get hit with a huge parking cost.”

While another said: “Resent paying at hospitals. It’s a disgrace and the stupid thing is the money doesn’t go to the hospitals – public ones anyway.”

However, one actually pointed out that in Sydney it is possible to obtain a free parking pass, they said: “In Sydney you can get a parking pass if you have to spend days at the hospital. Just ask.”

While one angry doctor tweeted: “Do you know what is scandalous? That people have to pay for hospital parking. It’s the most expensive parking I’ve ever come across and totally exploits and adds insult to injury for those at their most vulnerable- friends and family and patients needing to access hospital.”

What do you think? Should parking at hospitals be free? Does your local hospital charge a lot for parking?