A review of guidance governing hospital car parking charges was announced today.

It will examine the impact of charges on staff, particularly lower paid members of staff. It will also consider the appropriateness of blanket, Board-wide policies, given the different circumstances that exist from hospital to hospital.

A review group will report back to Health and Wellbeing Secretary Nicola Sturgeon by the end of November.

The group will be made up of representatives from the Scottish Partnership Forum, the Scottish Health Council, a voluntary organisation, a NHS Board Chair and HR Director.

Ms Sturgeon said:
"Car parking charges are a legitimate response by NHS Boards to the difficult problems of congestion and ensuring adequate space for patients and visitors. However, people working or visiting hospitals across Scotland should be protected from unnecessary or excessive charges.

"The cost of hospital car parking, especially for lower paid members of staff who do not qualify for a parking permit, can be a large expense and I understand the concern that has been expressed to me by many people who work in the NHS.

"I have asked the review group to examine the guidance which NHS Boards currently follow and suggest how it - or indeed individual local schemes - can be amended to ensure fairness to staff, patients, visitors and carers. I look forward to receiving its recommendations by the end of November."

The remit of the review group will be: "To review existing guidance on car parking and arrangements for car park charging, with an emphasis on the impact on staff, particularly lower paid staff, and offer views on how guidance or schemes might be amended to safeguard access for patients, and ensure equitable treatment for staff who have specific transport needs."

The working group will be led and supported by staff from the Scottish Government, Directorate of Healthcare Policy and Strategy.