ARI hospital staff demand a halt to parking cuts
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Staff at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary have demanded that NHS Grampian call a halt to proposals to axe 700 staff parking spaces, until a workable solution is found.
Trade union UNISON has written to all NHS Grampian Board members, calling on them to take action at their meeting tomorrow (Thursday, August 3).
A survey of over 700 staff at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and other workplaces on the Foresterhill site showed many simply had no idea how they would get to work if the changes were imposed.
With staff shortages in many areas, there is also a major concern about the impact this would have on patient care.
Jamie Donaldson, Branch Secretary of UNISON Grampian Health Branch said: “Staff are shocked and angry at these proposals.
"We heard from over 700 health workers and many simply have no idea how they will get to work without accessible parking.
"Public transport to ARI is poor, and many staff travel in from outside of Aberdeen.
“Alternatives would take hours more each day, create chaos for staff caring responsibilities, cost a small fortune, and create safety worries for female staff walking in the dark in winter.
"We are also concerned about potential conflict with local residents, as increased pressure comes on local roads when staff are forced to park off-site.
“Staff who are stressed out or looking for other jobs will have a serious impact on patient care.
"Staffing problems at the region's main hospitals potentially affects everyone in Aberdeen and the north-east of Scotland.
"We need NHS Grampian, Aberdeen City Council, and other bodies to work with trades unions and staff to find a sustainable solution that works for all.”
Staff currently have access to the top 6 floors of the multi-storey car park next to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (the Lady Helen Parking Centre). When it initially opened, the car park was just for patient and visitor use, but this was changed during the Covid pandemic and has become an accepted amenity for staff.
UNISON is calling for -
A full impact assessment to be undertaken.
Full and open communication with staff and their representatives.
Any change to be paused until there is a solution to the concerns raised by staff.
NHS Grampian to work with other public sector bodies, transport providers, trade union and other staff representatives to develop a sustainable solution.
