Luke Myer MP has launched a petition opposing the introduction of a ‘ParkingEye’ system at James Cook Hospital in Middlesbrough. The petition, backed by patients, hospital staff, and local residents, highlights concerns that the system unfairly penalises vulnerable individuals.
Recent media commentary has raised significant concerns regarding ParkingEye’s methods – which The Independent have termed as “cashing in on the sick”. Unlike other companies that utilise a “pay on exit” model, ParkingEye requires drivers to estimate the length of their hospital visit upon entry. This model forces patients and their families, especially those arriving in emergencies, to guess the duration of their stay, a demand that is both impractical and insensitive. The petition has garnered over 3000 signatures as of the time of this publication.
Comment by Luke Myer MP
“I do not believe that this system should be forced upon sick patients and hardworking NHS staff. This company’s model has been described as ‘aggressive’ and ‘punitive’. It’s plain wrong to charge patients for being treated, or to charge staff for saving lives. Don’t let ParkingEye cash in on the sick – sign our petition and let’s get some proper consultation.”
Comment by BMA Northern Regional Resident Doctor Committee Chair, Dr Jack Fletcher
“Doctors working at all levels at the trust are growing increasingly concerned about the negative impact that the implementation of Parking Eye could have both on doctors but importantly, for patients themselves.
“Rather than addressing the fundamental issues with parking capacity at South Tees, this will just unfairly penalise staff, patients and visitors with unnecessary fines. There is also a concern that those doctors who need to access parking for out of hours in emergency life-saving situations, or resident doctors on rotations who need to access parking on a less regular basis, will be adversely impacted. South Tees must listen to our concerns about the impact on patient care before pressing ahead with any implementation of this new parking system.”
Comment by UNISON Northern regional secretary Clare Williams
“The introduction of Parking Eye at James Cook University Hospital will impact on hard working staff who are already struggling to make ends meet. The proposed changes could lead to NHS staff being given punitive fines, even when they are unable to park. The new parking scheme will also impact on patients attending appointments who will have the additional stress of worrying about parking fines.
“UNISON is urging the trust to work with the union to find a solution and to halt the introduction of Parking Eye immediately.”
Luke Myer MP’s petition can be found here.
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