Disgruntled staff from various departments within the SWAH gave up their lunch break today to protest about the newly introduced car park charges.
A CROSS-SECTION of staff members at the South West Acute Hospital took protest on Monday against charges to car parking spaces at the hospital.
The charges came into play in August, and while the Western Trust has defended its position on charging for the two-tier car park at the hospital, some staff and visitors remain opposed.
The Trust has admitted that the hospital experienced high demand for car parking when the hospital first opened back in June 2012, and, because of this, it delayed charging for spaces in the two-tier area until the completion of additional spaces.
Charging of 70p per hour came into play in the A and E section, and, charging for the 187 spaces in the two-tier section began back in August. That means that 236 spaces are ‘chargeable’ at the hospital, while 695 spaces are free. Unison member Benny Cassidy, from Enniskillen, explained the rationale for the staff protest.
“In essence, today’s protest was a rolling protest line with staff groups from various departments attending the morning and lunch time sessions.
“Staff simply can’t afford yet another attack on their pay as they have had to deal with pay freezes. Staff are angry that they should have to pay to come to work.”
The Trust’s assistant director of facilities management, Will Doran explained the background to the charging.
He said: “When the hospital first opened in June 2012, it was apparent that there was a high demand for car park spaces.
“At that time, the Trust Board took the appropriate decision to delay charging at the two tier multi-storey car park until additional free spaces could be constructed.
“A new car park opened at the hospital in November 2013 and, after reviewing its initial usage, we are now in position to introduce the Trust Board approval for charging at the multi-storey car park.”
He explained that some people types of patients are exempt from charges, and he encouraged them to contact with reception at the hospital to find out how to avail of their entitlement.”
These categories include those receiving a particular treatment, are high frequency visitors to the hospital or are on a low income.
Mr Doran also recommended visitors and staff to consider walking, cycling or car sharing.
He referred to the Trust’s Workplace Travel Plan.
“It encourages both staff and visitors to make better use of public transport and to consider, when possible, to use sustainable travel options, such as walking, cycling or car sharing.”
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