Daily Mirror

End a tax on the ill

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THERE is simply no justificat­ion for hospital parking charges.

They are a stealth tax on patients, visitors and NHS staff. That is why our front page story yesterday touched such a nerve.

We knew readers would be concerned but we have been overwhelme­d by the number who contacted us with tales of distress. Some needed emergency care, others had chronic illnesses which require regular appointmen­ts.

Then there were those visiting seriously ill loved ones, who had to dash from their bedside to feed the meter, and parents having to pay for the right to spend time with their child in a neonatal unit.

The last thing anyone wants at these anxious times is the additional burden of paying for parking. Anyone with an ounce of compassion would appreciate this is wrong.

But ministers still allow this injustice to continue. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have phased out hospital parking charges. NHS England must now do the same.

We urge you to back our campaign to end this horrendous tax on the sick.

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