Written Question · S2W-03710 · Session 2
What action it has taken to encourage Lothian University Hospital NHS Trust to reduce the current #10 per day parking charge at the Edinbur…
The question
To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken to encourage Lothian University Hospital NHS Trust to reduce the current #10 per day parking charge at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary (ERI) for (a) NHS staff, (b) other ERI staff and (c) visitors.
The answer
I issued revised guidance to the NHS on hospital car park charging on 1 April 2004.
The guidance states that car park charging should not be introduced as a means of generating income but charging may be justified if it is to cover any significant costs in providing or improving parking facilities such as maintenance, administration and security costs. Charging might also be justified if it is used to better manage car parking facilities by discouraging unauthorised users (e.g. fly-parkers) although in so doing, measures taken to discourage unauthorised users must not be detrimental to the car parking arrangements for staff, patients and visitors. Widespread charging of excessive rates to staff, patients or visitors cannot be justified.
The guidance covers all hospitals in Scotland, although legal restraints covering the NHS mean that it cannot be applied to existing contracts, such as that at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh (RIE) between Lothian NHS Board and Consort Healthcare Ltd. It will, however, cover all such contracts when they are revised or renewed.
Brian Cavanagh, Chairman of Lothian NHS Board has indicated that he has already raised the issue of car parking charges at RIE with Consort Healthcare as he recognises its importance for staff, patients and their families. Mr Cavanagh wishes to ensure that it is an issue NHS Lothian can positively address as part of the refinancing discussions with Consort Healthcare due to take place later this year on the funding arrangements at RIE.
Lothian NHS Board has negotiated concessionary rates at the hospital for members of staff, visitors who have to remain on site for considerable lengths of time and for patients who have to make numerous, repeat visits.
The guidance states that car park charging should not be introduced as a means of generating income but charging may be justified if it is to cover any significant costs in providing or improving parking facilities such as maintenance, administration and security costs. Charging might also be justified if it is used to better manage car parking facilities by discouraging unauthorised users (e.g. fly-parkers) although in so doing, measures taken to discourage unauthorised users must not be detrimental to the car parking arrangements for staff, patients and visitors. Widespread charging of excessive rates to staff, patients or visitors cannot be justified.
The guidance covers all hospitals in Scotland, although legal restraints covering the NHS mean that it cannot be applied to existing contracts, such as that at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh (RIE) between Lothian NHS Board and Consort Healthcare Ltd. It will, however, cover all such contracts when they are revised or renewed.
Brian Cavanagh, Chairman of Lothian NHS Board has indicated that he has already raised the issue of car parking charges at RIE with Consort Healthcare as he recognises its importance for staff, patients and their families. Mr Cavanagh wishes to ensure that it is an issue NHS Lothian can positively address as part of the refinancing discussions with Consort Healthcare due to take place later this year on the funding arrangements at RIE.
Lothian NHS Board has negotiated concessionary rates at the hospital for members of staff, visitors who have to remain on site for considerable lengths of time and for patients who have to make numerous, repeat visits.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S2W-03710 by reference.