Cystic Fibrosis Ireland (CFI) welcomes the decision by Minister for Health Simon Harris TD to review hospital car parking charges at a national level.
Cystic Fibrosis is a progressive and long-term disease that affects the lungs and digestive system.
Speaking about the Minister’s announcement, Philip Watt, CEO of CF Ireland said;
“People with CF require regular visits to hospital, requiring intensive anti-biotic treatment, assessments and other interventions. Due to the need to avoid infections and mobility issues due to reduced lung function because of CF, most people with CF will use private transport when attending the hospital. This generally results in very high additional costs for car parking which adds unnecessary stress to the patients and their families. The very high rate in most hospital car parks and the lack of free alternative parking is a huge issue for patients with CF. For many patients it feels like there is tax on being ill, every time you attend the hospital (up to 15 Euro a day in some cases)."
For further information contact Philip Watt, CEO, Cystic Fibrosis Ireland: Email: Pwatt@cfireland.ie / Phone: 0876370557
The full statement by the Minister for Health Simon Harris can be viewed below.
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Minister for Health orders national review of hospital parking charges
HSE to work with patient advocacy groups to devise national guidelines
The Minister for Health, Simon Harris has ordered a national review of hospital car parking charges.
The Minister said “I have heard from many patients, as well as groups such as the Irish Cancer Society, in relation to car parking charges in our hospitals and the need for national guidelines.
“I know that some hospitals do take into account the pressure that these charges can put on patients and families who are dealing with illness, particularly long-term illness, and have measures in place to alleviate this pressure. However, I want to make sure that we have national guidelines in place to inform practice in hospital parking charges around the country.
“I have now asked the HSE to carry out a review of hospital car parking charges, with the aim of establishing clear national guidelines on this area for the first time.
“I have asked the HSE to engage with the Irish Cancer Society and other patient advocacy groups, in order to ensure that the review takes account of the circumstances of patients, particularly those who require long-term care.
“This review will examine existing arrangements within hospitals, the financial impact of parking charges on patients and families, the data in relation to the income generated from these charges, and any other factors.
“It is my intention that we will then have clear national guidelines on this area for the very first time.”
Ends