PRI parking system to change “in a couple of weeks”

Apr 9 2010 by Johnathon Menzies, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

HEALTHCARE officials yesterday admitted the staff car parking system at Perth Royal Infirmary is in need of a revamp, writes Johnathon Menzies.

Several medical professionals have contacted the PA in recent weeks to vent their fury over a perceived rise in the number of fines being issued to people using designated PRI bays.

The on-site spaces are free but employees must display a valid ticket or risk being hit with a financial penalty.

One Fair City-based staff nurse, who did not wish to be named, said “lives were being put at risk” as colleagues are forced to use shift breaks to leave the hospital and check they have not fallen foul of the rules.

The disgruntled medic said: “A standard shift lasts longer than the eight-hour ticket an employee has to display on their vehicle.

“Four people I work with have said they’ve had to pay as much as £240 in fines between them – each time they’re caught it costs them £60.

“Normally, when staff are on a break, they’re told to use the communal facilities on the wards to relax in.

“It’s so they’re immediately on-hand if an emergency occurs.

“But I’ve spoken to people who’ve said they’re running out to the car park – which can take about 15 minutes – to renew tickets or check they’ve not been fined.

“I wouldn’t like to think what could happen if staff were out looking at their cars instead of being where they’re supposed to be.”

Gerry Marr, NHS Tayside’s chief operating officer, said: “We recognise that it is simply not right that staff are receiving parking fines if they are delayed while carrying out their duties.

“The eight-hour ticket system at PRI is not appropriate and doesn't meet the needs of some of our vital members of staff.

“That’s why we will now be extending the eight-hour ticket by an hour in the next couple of weeks to take into account the sometimes unpredictable nature of staff working hours.

“Common sense must prevail here and we will ensure that there is a reliable system in place so that, when any member of staff comes to his or her work and is delayed in finishing their shift, there is no way that they will be issued with a parking fine.”

The hospital boss went on to encourage any staff member that has received a ticket because of the issue to contact PRI site manager Mark Scholes.

Explaining the procedure, Mr Marr continued: “Mr Scholes will review the parking fine and cancel it where appropriate.

“I’m sure everyone would agree that balancing the car parking needs of staff, patients and visitors is a challenge for us.

“We have worked hard to improve access and we will continue to monitor the arrangements closely, to find the best solution for all.”