Funding provided for free parking for NHS staff working in hospitals across Frimley Health Trust came to an end yesterday.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, parking was waived for front – line workers costing the government £130 million over the past two years.
According to Frimley Trust this came as surprise when they were told on Tuesday that they had only three days before it came into force.
We asked our readers their opinion on the decision that the government has decided to make after two devastating years for NHS staff.
Ash Stewert, an NHS worker himself said that if not for his motorbike he would seek work elsewhere.
He explained: “We're not paid anywhere near enough to justify charging us to park. Band 3 means over £220 a year to park at your place of work. Ridiculous!”
Another reader suggests that another more cost effective scheme could be applied such as pre paid passes at very cheap prices if abuse of the free parking is suspected.
Frimley Health NHS Trust commented when this was announced: "As the announcement to cease funding to NHS trusts to cover the cost of free parking for staff from 1 April 2022 was only made late yesterday, we will be reviewing how to implement this change over the coming weeks."
Reader, Bev Holmes commented on previous article: “Government have stopped funding yes, but the trust isn’t applying funds at the drop of a hat. They’re seeing what they can do first.”
According to Sam Brabben, Royal Berkshire Hospital are in the same position but are going to waive costs for staff for a couple of months.
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