South Down MP Margaret Ritchie has condemned proposals to introduce car parking charges at the Downe Hospital.[/caption]
South Down MP Margaret Ritchie has voiced her continued opposition to the proposed planned parking charges at our local hospital.
Ms Ritchie, who has already articulated her opposition to the Minister for Health and to the South Eastern Trust, said today: “Charging for car parking at this facility at the Downe Hospital is an additional form of revenue or tax on vulnerable and low income groups who have made National Insurance Contributions all their adult lives.
“It is important to recognise that this site facilitates two GP surgeries as well as a range of hospital services. As a consequence, the Downe Hospital is regularly attended by a significant proportion of the community. They need to be encouraged to attend and no financial obstacles should be placed in their way.
“I strongly encourage the Health Minister to influence the South Eastern HSC Trust to reconsider the imposition of these charges and ensure that the well-being of patients is prioritised and that the proposal for these charges is abandoned,” said Ms Ritchie.
Previous related post: Monday 5 January 2015.
http://www.downnews.co.uk/trust-launches-consultation-on-traffic-management-proposals/
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