20 June 2012

NSW Government Invests In Hospital Parking

The Minister for Health, Jillian Skinner, said today that the NSW Government has responded to the former Labor Government’s under-investment in hospital parking facilities by boosting funding for the construction of hospital parking throughout the state.

“Nearly every patient survey identifies the lack of parking as a major issue,” Mrs Skinner said.

“This is why the NSW Government is investing over $100 million toward the construction and increased capacity of car parks at those hospitals that have identified the greatest need,” she said.

“Since the election we have already opened new parking facilities at Wagga Wagga and Shoalhaven hospitals.

“We have committed funding for construction of car parks at Blacktown, Nepean, Liverpool, Wollongong, and Maitland hospitals.

“And we have allocated funds for the initial planning for car parks at Westmead and Sutherland hospitals.

“These projects aim to relieve the pressures of inadequate parking or the need to park long distances from a hospital and to make life easier for patients and staff.

A recent report found that the 62 per cent of cancer centre providing dedicated patient parking and 70 per cent provided free patient parking. All 19 centres in regional areas provided free parking.

“When the gap in parking is filled, Local Health Districts will have greater capacity to provide subsidised or free parking to priority groups,” Mrs Skinner said.

“This may include patients with chronic illness who attend hospital for regular treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy or renal-dialysis.  Or permanent staff, especially those doing late night shifts,” she said.

“The NSW Government has been listening to patients and staff who have expressed concern over the daily difficulties of finding adequate parking options at the state’s hospitals over many years.