Calls for Dublin hospitals to axe parking fees for cancer patients
Calls for Dublin hospitals to axe parking fees for cancer patients
Dublin hospitals are being urged by North Inner City Independent Councillor Nial Ring to provide free parking spaces for cancer patients and their families.In December, the Irish Cancer Society reported that patients are paying up to €63 a week in car parking charges.
The motion which is to be chaired at Dublin City Council will look for Crumlin, Beaumont, the Mater, St James' and St Vincent's Hospitals to provide free car parking for cancer patients.
Cllr Ring said patients "were being forced to get taxis because it's a cheaper alternative" than parking at the hospitals.
It is proposed that the cost to hospitals would only be minimal and that the "technology is there" in order to make the spaces available.
The Independent Councilor went on to say:
"Patients, including some from my own constituency, are going through enough as it is without having to worry about the extra costs.”
"In extreme cases, when patients are lying on a trolley the last thing they want to worry about is facing extra costs that could be avoided."
The head of services and advocacy for the Irish Cancer Society, Donal Buggy recently wrote a letter to the council in relation to the issue and said "no progress has been made".
He continued: "At the six hospitals within Dublin City Council's boundaries that provide cancer treatment, on average, a typical four-hour stay during treatment costs cancer patients €8.
"One day's parking at the Mater costs €15. This is just one euro less than a day in the Stephen's Green car park, one of the most expensive spots to park in the city."
If the motion is passed, Dublin City Council's chief executive Owen Keegan will write to the hospitals asking for measures to be taken to allow cancer patients free parking.
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