Cancer patient missed hospital appointment because of parking charges
A MAN who has a rare bone disease claims he missed his hospital appointment after he was unable to ‘keep feeding the parking meter’ at Nottingham City Hospital.
Mark Teeboon has been in remission from blood cancer for nine years, but consequently suffers from Graft versus Host Disease (GVHD), where his immune system attacks his entire body, after his bone marrow transplant was rejected.
The disease has led to various complications that make it difficult for Mr Teeboon to walk, and he said he was not ‘physically or financially’ able to keep going to pay for parking when his appointment ran over.
He had travelled from Chesterfield on January 10 for an appointment to help deal with the unusually aggressive reaction to his bone marrow transplant and ‘fallout from the cancer treatment.’
Mr Teeboon said it cost him “half a day’s wages” for the trip.
The 50-year-old designer, of Chesterfield, said: “I went to my appointment this morning. I didn’t realise I had to pay for parking. There was no warning and you have to pay with cash.
“There is no transport, like buggies, from the car parking area to the hospital, which is about 300 to 400 metres away.
“Since the hospital appointment was late, there was no way I could keep going back out to pay.
“I’m not able to get the concession as it is not viable unless you visit frequently.
“It’s just the fact that I’m not able to get the medical attention I need. I go to the hospital to control the fallout.”
Mr Teeboon added that he once complained about the lack of accessibility options from the car parks at Nottingham University Hospitals, as there are only ‘six spaces,’ but he was ‘brushed aside’ and forwarded to the car park contractor.
He said he may now have to consider the hospital ‘no longer a viable option,’ adding: “You must not make it more difficult for a disabled person. I came last year for an appointment and had to turn around as there were queues all up the access road.
“The amount of times this has happened to me is absolutely astounding.”
A Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) spokesperson reiterated that help can be provided to those who have any problems, and the car parking team are willing to help those with any concerns.
Cashless parking is still currently unavailable, but a spokesperson said it is due to be introduced as part of a fiveyear plan.
Andrew Chatten, director of estates and facilities at NUH, said: “We involved patients and Blue Badge Holder patient representatives in our decision-making and continue to listen to feedback and concerns that have been raised by patients since we have implemented the changes.
“Patients and visitors are able to buy a car parking ticket for one – 24 hour periods and weekly and monthly passes in advance where regular visits to hospital are necessary.
“We continue to work closely with local transport links to ensure our hospital sites are accessible via a variety of links including the tram, park and ride and Medilink bus services.”