THE Conservative candidate for Westmorland and Lonsdale Matty Jackman has weighed in on the issue of NHS parking. 

Figures reveal that Morecambe Bay Trust (UHMBT) received £865,538 from visitor/patient car parks and £270,555 from staff car parks in 2022/23, which is a 118 per cent increase for visitor/patient car parks on 2021/22 (£270,555), and a nearly ten-fold increase for staff car parks, which was £28,722. 

Chief operating officer of the trust Scott Mclean responded to the figures, compiled as part of the annual NHS Estates Returns Information Collection. 

He blamed the large increase on a return to face-to-face appointments and the end of free staff parking during the pandemic. 

Mr Jackman said: "I strongly believe that hospital staff should have unrestricted access to free parking to ensure an efficient and well-functioning healthcare facility. This is not just a convenience but a necessity to enable healthcare professionals to carry out their responsibilities seamlessly without any hindrance."
 
"Additionally, I fully support the introduction of coloured vehicular discs for patients, which will facilitate easy recognition and streamline the parking process, contributing to an overall positive healthcare experience."

READ MORE: Morecambe Bay Trust defends large increase in car park takings

"I also propose implementing a reasonable charge for visitors. This approach strikes a fair balance between providing necessary financial support for the hospital's operational costs (and car park maintenance) and ensuring that visitors can access the facility without undue financial burden."
 
"My advocacy prioritises healthcare professionals and patients, aiming to enhance Westmorland General Hospital's parking system efficiency."

28-year-old Mr Jackman was announced as the Conservative candidate for the upcoming election last month. 

The current Lib Dem MP Tim Farron said on this issue: "It's unfair to be charging essentials. 

"The longer you need to spend in outpatients the more you will have to pay, that feels unfair.

"I do understand the financial situation. In the end, the real issue is the funding that they do not have from government." 

UHMBT operates Westmorland General, Royal Lancaster Infirmary and Furness General. 

Mr Mclean said: "The main reason for the disparity in the figures from 2021/22 compared to those of 2022/23 is that we were taking measures to protect our patients, colleagues and the public from Covid-19. 

"There have been no increases in parking costs to patients, visitors or staff at our trust for several years. Our trust’s stance is that parking should not be seen as an income and is priced to cover costs such as car park administration, management, security including CCTV, gritting and maintenance. We need to ensure our car parks are maintained for our patients, their visitors and our staff."