Staff car park price rise at Ipswich Hospital delayed until November 29 as UNISON says it needs rethinking
Hospital bosses have delayed an increase in staff parking charges as a union said it is still concerned the price hike will pile pressure on NHS workers.
East Suffolk and North East Essex Foundation Trust (ESNEFT), which runs Ipswich Hospital and Colchester Hospital, initially said it would be increasing the cost of parking from Monday (November 11).
A spokeswoman for the trust said: “Ongoing discussions about our new staff car parking charges have included giving colleagues more time before introducing them and they will now come into effect on November 29.”
Nick Hulme, chief executive of ESNEFT, said: "We understand any increases in car parking charges on hospital sites causes concern.
"We want to make park and ride a workable option for our staff.
“That's why we're running free staff shuttle services to our sites too. A new Ipswich shuttle service will be in place before 29 November. It's already up and running in Colchester.
"We are also offering extra support to anyone who is in financial difficulty and worried about the new charges,”said Mr Hulme.
New patient and visitor charges, were introduced on Monday, as planned.
More information about transport to Ipswich Hospital, and parking, can be found here.
Lucas Bertholdi-Saad, eastern regional organiser for UNISON, said: “NHS workers face enormous pressure every day they go to work, with understaffing, low pay, and lack of resources making it harder and harder to keep up the amazing service they provide.
“But instead of offering thanks and support, ESNEFT bosses want to pile on more pressure, while park and ride facilities still aren't good enough for staff in Ipswich, especially when shifts overrun late into the evening.
“This plan to increase parking charges still needs rethinking.”
UNISON has various members, including NHS staff and private contractors that provide public services; these include hospital cleaners.
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