The State Government has put to rest fears that paid parking could be introduced at Wyong hospital.
It was announced on February 2 that free parking would remain in place at the hospital following a Government review.
Parking at Wyong Hospital was expanded as part of its major $200M redevelopment with a recommendation to include paid parking.
News last August that a commitment to free parking at rural and regional hospitals would not apply to Gosford Hospital sparked fears that Wyong would also be excluded from the no-fee commitment.
The commitment was made for hospitals with limited access to public transport and on-street parking, offering few alternatives to people who could not afford to park at the hospital.
But the Government has listened to the concerns of the community and extended the commitment of free parking to Wyong Hospital.
Minister for the Central Coast David Harris said he was pleased to share the good news with the Wyong community, including hospital staff, patients, families and carers.
“Wyong Hospital has always had free parking and it is important it remains free to make it easy for the community to access the healthcare they need,” he said.
“There are now more than 1,200 free parking spaces available across the campus.
“We’re committed to improving access and delivering timely, high-quality, safe healthcare to our regional communities.”
Member for Dobell Emma McBride said news parking would remain free at the hospital followed a strong community campaign.
“As a pharmacist who worked at Wyong Hospital for a decade, I know how important it is for the community – patients, visitors and staff – that parking remain free of charge,” she said.
“Wyong Hospital services one of the largest regional centres in the state.
“This news gives locals reassurance that they can access the hospital without the additional burden of paying for parking.”
Meanwhile, the next stage of the hospital redevelopment is underway with a builder appointed to complete $6.4M works including expanding the Cancer Day Unit, a new Women’s Health Clinic, new Aboriginal Health Unit and new Carer Support Unit (see separate story).
The works will also help make way for a 12-bed Palliative Care Unit on the site.