NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA) members are calling on the NSW Government to reinstate free parking at John Hunter Hospital.
State politicians reintroduced the fees from 1 February, which also included doctors and allied health workers, at John Hunter, Calvary Mater and James Fletcher medical centres.
The cost was originally waived during the COVID pandemic.
But, because Newcastle facilities are deemed “metro”, the meters have been turned back on, angering the deflated staff throughout the region.
In fact, all healthcare staff are now paying up to $21 a week for the privilege of parking at work.
The NSWNMA representatives, along with other employees, will rally in their own time from 12.30pm on Friday 9 February at the John Hunter Hospital campus, opposite the Royal Newcastle Centre Building.
“Our members at John Hunter and John Hunter Children’s hospitals believe they have been unfairly slugged,” general secretary Shaye Candish said.
“They’ve questioned why other regional NSW hospitals, such as Maitland and Belmont, are exempt from parking fees.
“The nurses and midwives say the government is wrong to classify John Hunter as a ‘metropolitan’ hospital, given the lack of public transport options compared to those available in greater Sydney.
“In addition, the campus is undergoing a significant expansion, which has affected parking availability, with about 150 staff parking spaces currently closed for construction works.
“These works are expected to continue for at least another 18 months.
“The reintroduction of parking fees is a major blow to all healthcare workers, particularly during a cost-of-living crisis and when COVID-19 cases are surging again.
“Common sense needs to come into play over this matter.”
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