More than half of cancer patients 'still being charged to park at hospital' - Telegraph

Macmillan Cancer Support found that 59 per cent of cancer patients were still not getting free or discounted parking, despite a recommendation from the Government that they should.

And hospitals that do offer free parking or concessions often fail to tell cancer sufferers about their scheme, the charity found.

Just 23 per cent of cancer patients said they had been given free parking, while 18 per cent had received a discount.

However, more than one in 10, 12 per cent, said they had not taken up the discount because they only discovered its existence after their treatment had finished.

Only 15 per cent of those surveyed were given information about parking concessions in the letter calling them for their first treatment appointment.

On average the charity estimates that cancer patients make an average of 53 trips to hospital for treatment, spending around £325.

The NHS in England is thought to have made around £100 million over the last year charging hospital patients and visitors to park their cars.

At the same time charges have been abolished in all but three hospitals in Scotland and are being phased out in Wales.

Fees can range from £2 a day to £3 an hour.

Mike Hobday, from Macmillan, said: “The entire hospital parking system is an appalling, disjointed mess, which causes cancer patients unnecessary financial hardship and stress.

The above is part of the item, if you want to ruin your day read the rest.

They should change the motto from including the word “care” to "don’t give a shit."

Angus

Angus Dei on all and sundry

AnglishLit

Angus Dei politico