HSE makes €3m from CUH parking

The HSE made nearly €3m from parking charges at Cork University Hospital last year, but still does not have adequate spaces on campus — which is causing problems in adjoining residential areas.

Visitors to the hospital paid an average of €5,426 for each of the 545 parking spaces available in four car parks on the campus.

In addition, 63 spaces at a number of locations are provided free of charge to disabled drivers, and dialysis and radiotherapy patients.

CUH management provides 857 spaces for staff on campus. Staff also have access to 200 spaces off site at Highfield Rugby Club and 60 spaces at Bishopstown GAA Club.

The amount of money obtained from parking charges was given to Cllr John Buttimer (FG) after he made the request for information at a HSE South Health Forum meeting.

He said he was “astounded” that parking income at the hospital for 2012 totalled €2,957,189.

“The revenue generated from car parking is an essential element of hospital funding and contributes to the overall hospital budget for staff, medicines, equipment, maintenance, etc,” said HSE area manager Ger Reaney.

Mr Buttimer said the charges and lack of spaces on the hospital campus often drove people to park in nearby residential areas.

“Over many years, local neighbouring estates and the local Wilton Shopping Centre have had to deal with the consequences of the parking policy of CUH,” he said.

Mr Buttimer, who lives in Bishopstown, called on HSE and CUH management to invest some of the money generated by parking fees into new transportation and parking initiatives on the campus, which, in the long-term, should include the building of a multi-storey underground car park.

“HSE and CUH management should also look at working with Cork City Council to promote greater awareness of the rights of local residents and the need for etiquette in relation to parking in residential areas,” Mr Buttimer said.

He said it was unrealistic in the current economic climate to expect the HSE and CUH not to charge for car parking given the role the revenue generated has to play in funding the range of services at the hospital.

However, he added that since income is generated primarily by patients, outpatients, and visitors, some of the money should also be used to augment and improve facilities for patients and visitors.

“In particular the HSE should look to invest in and plan long-term capital projects to improve the quality of life for patients and visitors, including improved day and overnight respite facilities for individuals receiving chemotherapy and radiotherapy, enhanced facilities at the children’s ward, and improvements to the public waiting areas and amenities of the hospital,” he added.