Welsh NHS Confederation: Hospitals could struggle
Tuesday, 04 Mar 2008 11:56
Some hospitals in Wales could struggle to fund treatment following the decision to remove hospital car parking fees, according to the NHS Confederation in Wales (NCW).
Its concerns were raised following the announcement by health minister Edwina Hart that from April 2008 patients in Wales will no longer have to pay to park at the majority of NHS hospitals.
Last year nearly £5.4million was collected by NHS trusts in Wales from hospital parking charges.
The additional costs to the NHS of removing parking charges will be met from within annual NHS funding allocations.
Commenting on the announcement, NCW director Mike Ponton told BBC1's Lunchtime News: "Hospital monies are at a premium and under pressure and this is now another pressure.
"Controlling car parks might actually cost more to make sure that they are more accessible."