Stourbridge MP demands action over hospital parking charge notices

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 23 Oct, 14:29 · Archive

Stourbridge MP Cat Eccles has raised concerns in Parliament about unfair parking charge notices at Russells Hall Hospital.

Car parking at Russells Hall Hospital became a matter for Parliament when Stourbridge MP Cat Eccles raised the issue in the House of Commons on 22 October. She highlighted complaints from patients, visitors and staff who said they had received Parking Charge Notices despite correctly registering and paying for their parking.

The hospital introduced automatic number plate recognition cameras to reduce waiting times at barriers. The car park is managed by Group Nexus, a private company. Among those affected by the charges are blue badge holders and, according to Ms Eccles, even a priest who was administering last rites.

The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust has already acknowledged the problems. On 5 October, Laura Broster, group director of communications at the trust, told a committee of Dudley councillors that the parking experience was 'not good enough'. The hospital has been forced to apologise for the issues.

Ms Eccles asked the Leader of the House of Commons, Sir Alan Campbell, whether he agreed that the NHS Trust needed to investigate the matter urgently. Sir Alan responded that NHS trusts are responsible for car parking charges and are expected to follow NHS car parking guidance. He noted that some hospitals use private companies and that there is a new code of practice.

How it is being reported

• Stourbridge MP takes Dudley hospital parking pain to WestminsterWestminster politicians say hospital accused of dishing out unfair parking charge notices must take actionBirminghamLive · 23 Oct, 14:14
• Stourbridge MP hits out at unfair hospital parking charges and demands showdown meetingMP Cat Eccles asked the Leader of The House of Commons, Sir Alan Campbell, if he agreed the NHS Trust needed to investigate the matter urgently.Birmingham World · 23 Oct, 14:12
• Stourbridge MP hits out at unfair hospital parking charges and demands showdown meetingMP Cat Eccles asked the Leader of The House of Commons, Sir Alan Campbell, if he agreed the NHS Trust needed to investigate the matter urgently.Express & Star · 23 Oct, 14:12

In this story: Cat Eccles · Russells Hall Hospital · Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust · Dudley · Stourbridge · Sir Alan Campbell

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