​MSP WELCOMES THE EXTENSION OF FREE HOSPITAL PARKING

An extension has been announced for free car parking at PFI hospital car parks, with charges suspended until September. This will allow for free parking at hospitals such as Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and this has been extended from the Scottish Government’s initial announcement in March, which originally suspended the fees for 3 months.
 
Colin Beattie MSP commented:
 
‘I am glad that these parking fees have been removed for staff, visitors and patients at this time, and that this will continue on until September. Though the Scottish Government abolished charges for NHS car parks in 2008, PFI obligations prevent us from removing these charges in 3 hospital car parks in Scotland. One of these, Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, services my constituency and this policy change is likely to help many of my constituents in this troubling time. I am pleased that the Scottish Government have worked with these providers to lift these charges in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. The abolishment of these costs means that there is one less thing to worry about for those working in and using hospitals.’
 
‘This will remove any barriers to patients, visitors and staff accessing hospitals, which should be a top priority at this time. We want all those affected by Coronavirus to be well supported, and not face any unnecessary difficulties in this period.’
 
‘I would like to, once again, thank all our health and social care workers who are going above and beyond at this time. They are essential in getting us through this pandemic and I am extremely grateful for their selflessness and hard work in tackling Coronavirus.’