1 week Ago
Ipswich Hospital bosses have delayed the planned increase to staff car parking charge until the end of the month - but the decision has been labelled "shortsighted" by union bosses. East Suffolk and North East Essex (ESNEFT) which runs the hospital was set to introduce the hike from Monday, November 11. Under the proposals car parking charges for most staff are set to be doubled and even tripled in certain cases.
For example, the trust is due to hike charges for staff in Salary Band 2 from £0.46 to £1.50 while those in Salary Band 3 are set to see their rate treble from £0.
50 to £1.50. Increases in car parking charges for the majority of patients and visitors went ahead on Monday.
The new staff prices are set to come in on November 29. ESNEFT have said that they will continue to offer free car parking for staff at park and ride sites London Road, Pinewood and in Martlesham Heath. A new Ipswich shuttle service is due to start before November 29 when staff car parking charges increase in addition to existing park and ride services.
Staff are also entitled to 50% off bus season tickets and 10% off train season tickets as well as a 40% discount off the cost of a new bike through the Trust's cycle to work scheme. Free refurbished bikes will also be available for staff to cycle to work. Staff who are working night shifts or who have a disability will still be able to park for free at the hospital.
ESNEFT Chief Executive Nick Hulme 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.
” Public sector union UNISON which represents NHS staff and private contractors including hospital cleaners at the site have criticised the announcement arguing that the park and ride facilities for staff are still insufficient. UNISON eastern regional organiser Lucas Bertholdi-Saad 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 more pressure, while park and ride facilities still aren't good enough for staff in Ipswich, especially when shifts overrun late into the evening.
” “Putting another financial charge on NHS staff coming to work during the winter pressures is short sighted and this plan to increase parking charges needs rethinking.”.
