Worcestershire Royal Hospital staff hit with parking fines

A member of staff at Worcestershire Royal Hospital, who did not wish to be named, said colleagues leaving work found parking fines on their windscreens.

She said fines were given to staff whose permits were not on display but were parked in a staff-only section of the car park.

“I was absolutely heartbroken to come out of work and see numerous cars in the staff car park who had received a parking fine for coming to work,” she said.

“I find it absolutely unacceptable that during a cost-of-living crisis the Trust is hitting its staff with £25 fines for parking at work.

“During Covid, parking was free and no fines were being issued."

Worcestershire Royal Hospital. Credit: John Anyon (Image: Worcestershire Royal Hospital. Credit: John Anyon)

The fines have highlighted other issues affecting staff at the hospital, including a lack of available spaces.

It has also brought about the discussion of whether staff should have to pay in the first place.

The staff member added: “Personally I don’t think NHS staff should have to pay for parking, but at the very least when you are paying for parking there should definitely be sufficient parking.

“The last thing NHS staff need is to have to worry about finding a parking space and coming back to a parking fine.

“All any of us want is to have a solution.

“When some staff are struggling to pay their bills, how can you justify penalising them for coming to work and doing their job?”

Matthew Hopkins, chief executive of Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, explained that while parking continues to be free for staff across the Trust’s hospitals, they must ensure the permit is visible.

He said: “Free parking was introduced for all staff at the start of the pandemic and we are pleased that this remains the case.

“We ask everyone who uses our car parks - staff, patients and visitors - to park responsibly in the available spaces, and with relevant permits on display where applicable to ensure our car parks can be safely managed.

“Tickets are only ever issued when these conditions are not met, and an appeals process is also in place.”

Mr Hopkins also admitted that more could be done to improving parking provisions

He added: “We are aware that the current parking provision in place across our hospitals is not sufficient and recognise the difficulties and anxieties that this causes for our patients, staff and visitors, particularly at peak times.

“We are committed to resolving these issues as quickly as possible and providing access to safe and convenient car parking for those using our services.”