Recent hikes in parking charges at Lincolnshire hospitals have sparked worry among local councillors and citizens. The changes, which took effect on 1 July, saw costs of up to four hours parking at Boston, Grantham, and Lincoln hospitals increase from £2 to £5. However, up to 30 minutes of parking continues to be free of charge. At a Lincolnshire County Council health scrutiny committee meeting, councillors expressed their concerns about the effect on patients. One East Lindsey councillor denounced the fees, arguing they were essentially a levy on illness. Similarly, Councillor Karen Lee underscored the hardship these fees could constitute, particularly those dependent on restricted public transport. Lincolnshire Community and Hospitals NHS Group (LCHG) justified the higher charges as a move towards alignment with other acute hospital trusts, with the generated revenue intended for future enhancements. Mark Parkhill, Chief Estates and Facilities Officer, highlighted recent improvements to the Lincoln County Hospital, such as an additional 120 parking spaces, which have reportedly alleviated some parking issues. Nevertheless, the apprehension about the financial strain on those seeking medical care persists among councillors and residents.
This article incorporates reporting originally published by www.bbc.com.
