News Flash

SA Health has established a dedicated union consultative forum to discuss the introduction of, and changes to, car parking charges at metropolitan hospitals.

An outline of the guiding principles for project implementation was presented to unions including:
minimising impact to staff, patients and families
ensuring that charged staff have access to parking spaces
reviewing staff security arrangements, and
developing a fully integrated system to support flexibility around staff movements across sites.

Proposed car parking changes as announced in then Treasurer Kevin Foley's 2010/2011 Budget included the implementation of charged parking at:
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Modbury Hospital
Repatriation General Hospital
Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre
Glenside Hospital
St Margaret's Hospital

Priority sites have been identified by SA Health as:
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (already charged)
Modbury Hospital (currently no charge)
Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre (currently not charged)

The implementation of charged car parking has been delayed at Glenside Hospital, which is undergoing considerable change with major building works occurring presently and Repatriation General Hospital, due to its multiple access points.

It was acknowledged by SA Health that unions DO NOT agree with the introduction of car parking fees. SA Health advised that it intends to proceed with the introduction of fees and will consult with the unions regarding the implementation process. Unions advised that they were willing to be involved in discussions but reserved the right to take the matter further and will consider all available avenues to stop the changes proposed by SA Health. Unions viewed consultation as needing to take place on any proposed significant change which affects employees, included the employer changing the status quo regarding parking.

Some concerns raised by unions were:
A guarantee that people will get a park if they have paid for parking.
A suggestion that a standardised fee across sites should relate to standardised car parking facilities.
Questioned how $46.77 fee was calculated and suggested consideration should be given to individual sites proximity to CBD and availability of public transport. SA Health advised that FMC fee was used as a benchmark for outer metropolitan sites.
Safety concerns, particularly after hours.
Impact on employees working across sites. SA Health advised that integrated boom gates will be able to recognise access cards from other sites.

A presentation was given and this is available here.
The PSA and other unions expressed great concern re the cutting of car parks within Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre (currently parking on non bitumised areas), the implementation of fees to staff before the public and also security.

Since this presentation, SA Health has indicated further work is being undertaken to minimise the loss of carparks at Hampstead. It has also had discussions with local councils.

The PSA requested that SA Health review the exemption policy in regards to Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre clients in that it is an important part of rehabilitation that family members attend or spend the day with clients/patients and this should be taken into consideration for exemption for parking fees.

SA Health also indicated at this meeting that, at this stage, the implementation of car parking fees will affect hospitals only but it has not ruled out that fees will be implemented in other areas.

A tender process closed on 28th February 2011. The successful tender will be the supplier and installer of boom gates and infrastructure (similar to Adelaide Airport). 

Discussion took place about allocation of car parking permits – eg first come, first served and then a waiting list. Concerns were raised re part time staff being overlooked and being disadvantaged in this revenue raising activity. SA Health have agreed to review the allocation of permits.

SA Health advised that conservative numbers of car parks will be allocated in the first instance.

A further meeting with SA Health and unions will take place at the end of March. At this meeting the Vendor and time frames will be announced.

22 March 2011