Hospital boss suggests patients should park at Morrisons to avoid expensive charges

A health service boss says people should park at Morrisons to avoid paying the expensive charges at Hereford County Hospital.

Wye Valley NHS Trust managing director Jane Ives made the comments at this week’s extraordinary town council meeting in Ross-on-Wye.

Health bosses were at the Corn Exchange to answer questions from councillors regarding the temporary closure of the minor injury unit in the town.

Councillor Paul Symonds  told them that travelling to Hereford was difficult for many people in Ross who needed to be treated for small injuries.

“It’s not just people who use public transport who will suffer,” he said.

“We’ve read in the press that Hereford hospital now has one of the most expensive car parks in the country.

“I understand the costs are to do with the private finance initiative. But it is a very relevant factor in the accessibility of the county hospital.

“Park at Morrisons,” Ms Ives whispered.

It costs £3.50 to park for up to an hour at the hospital and £5 for two. If you have to leave your car there overnight it will set you back £15.

Hereford County Hospital was one of the earliest PFI projects approved in 1999.

It was built and is owned and managed under a 30-year contract through special purpose firm Sodexo.