Staff anger as lower-paid hospital workers face steeper parking increases at Ipswich Hospital

Why it matters: The disparity in increases between pay bands has raised concerns about fairness, particularly for lower-paid workers at the hospital.

The big picture: The changes are part of a wider overhaul of parking at both Ipswich and Colchester hospitals, aimed at managing reduced parking capacity following recent hospital expansions. The cost of parking for patients and visitors has risen by up to 50%.

By the numbers: Band 2 staff, who earn £23,615 per year, currently pay 46p per day to park at the hospital, a total cost of £116.38 per year based on 253 working days. However, this is set to increase by a reported 226%.

• Band 5 workers pay £0.67, with prices set to increase by 198.5%.

• Consultants, who are some of the highest-earning NHS workers, pay £2.43, with prices set to increase by just 2.9%.

What they're saying: The changes have prompted strong reactions from hospital workers on social media. Some are unhappy about the lack of worker consultation, and others are dissatisfied with the disparity of the increases between the lowest and highest-paid workers.

"Perhaps you could explain why staff car parking charges will rise so unevenly," said one employee on Facebook.

Another staff member questioned the timing: "Hardly seems fair, and ironic timing just after we have all been asked to send back our staff survey."

"Great. Get a pay rise to see it eaten up in parking charges, and it’s a massive jump. Really doesn’t give incentive to keep working here when things are already hard enough," said another.

Yes, but: East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT) says the increases are required following a period of significant investment across its hospitals and that free parking alternatives are available:

• Free parking at Ipswich park and ride sites for all staff

• Free parking for night shift workers

• Free parking for staff with disabilities

• 50% off bus season tickets

• 10% off train season tickets

Nick Hulme, ESNEFT Chief Executive said: “We have listened to what our patients, carers and visitors have told us about our approach to travel. We need to make some changes and provide our communities with a stress-free experience.

“Our multi-million-pound investment programme, including the Dame Clare Marx Building in Colchester and our new Urgent and Emergency Care Centre in Ipswich, will significantly improve healthcare for local people.

“We know that the number of car parking spaces on each hospital site has reduced because of these and other new buildings, causing anxiety and upset due to the time it can take to find a parking space.

“We also know that because of the increased demand for our services, car parking has become extremely limited and at peak times it is unlikely that you will find a parking space, so the best alternative is to use local park and ride services if you can.

What's next: The changes take effect from Monday 11 November 2024.

The bottom line: While ESNEFT promotes alternative travel options and justifies the increases as necessary for infrastructure improvements, the disproportionate rise in parking charges for lower-paid staff has created tension at a time when many healthcare workers are already facing cost-of-living pressures.