LETTER: Hospital parking clarification

The article states that the hospital reimbursed Mr Newman for parking at Worthing Hospital, however, it does not clarify that he was entitled to concessionary parking due to the treatment he was receiving.

We provide significant concessions for patients who are in hospital for a long time and for specific groups like those receiving dialysis or chemotherapy there is no charge for parking.

The article also focuses on the expense of parking at Worthing Hospital, but it is important to stress that parking fees have not been raised for five years at Western Sussex Hospitals in Worthing and Chichester.

The fees are also in line with local authority parking rates which helps to make sure our car parks are only used by people visiting our hospitals and not the town centres.

The article also erroneously suggests the Trust’s forthcoming Green Travel Plan review is taking place due to the concerns raised by Mr and Mrs Newman. This is not the case.

I was specifically asked this question and I stated that the review had been put in place before the couple raised concerns.

Once the hospital was made aware we discussed things with Mr and Mrs Newman which is when we explained a Green Travel Plan review would be taking place and that we would welcome their contribution to the patient and visitor engagement work which will help to inform the review.

While we do not like having to charge for parking, it is important to stress that we do all we can to ensure our rates are fair and that all net proceeds are reinvested into direct patient care.

We also urge anyone who has comments, complaints or compliments to contact the Trust directly through our Patient Advice and Liaison offices, known as PALS, who will be happy to help you.

David Jones

Director of Facilities and Estates

Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

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