Jonathan Migneault

 calling for free staff parking at the Sudbury, Ont. hospital had garnered more than 1,100 signatures as of Wednesday afternoon.

"The cost of living is constantly on the rise, and parking fees can add an unnecessary financial burden to our hardworking healthcare professionals," the petition reads.

"It is unfair to expect our nurses, doctors, and support staff to pay for parking while they work long hours to care for the community."

The petition goes on to say that free parking would improve staff morale, leading to better patient care and outcomes.

In an email to CBC News, Health Sciences North spokesperson Jason Turnbull said parking rates for staff have not increased since 2010.

3 thefts reported from Health Sciences North parking lot in the last week

Greater Sudbury Police have received three reports of thefts from the Health Sciences North parking lots in the last week.

Julie Trpkovski, Chief Nursing Executive at Health Science North in Sudbury, says that “recruiting internationally trained nurses is an important part of addressing human resource shortages at HSN.” 

HSN south tower 

In an email to staff on Tuesday, Health Sciences North said catalytic converters had become targets for thieves on hospital property.

Problems continue with new Health Sciences North payroll system, says CUPE

Issues with a new payroll system at Sudbury’s Health Sciences North Hospital are ongoing, despite assurances they’ve been resolved, says the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE).

Health Sciences North in Sudbury. Greater Sudbury mayor Paul Lefebvre says the city is in good shape with the number of physicians it has, and they are expecting a dozen more to start in fall 2024. 

Health Sciences North Sudbury - March 2021

The Health Sciences North hospital in Sudbury implemented a new payroll system called Kronos in mid-June. Unions representing hospital workers say it has been plagued by issues. 

The hospital charges a monthly parking rate of $95 for patients and visitors, but the staff rate is $80 per month.

"Hospitals in Ontario do not receive funding from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care for any costs related to parking lots," Turnbull said in the email.

"Those operating costs include security, equipment and maintenance such as snow removal service, parking equipment and software."

He added net parking revenue at the hospital helps support health care research through the Health Sciences North Research Institute.

In February the hospital increased parking rates for patients and visitors, but the monthly staff rate remained unchanged.

Hourly rates were set at $4 for the first hour, $3 for the second and $2 for the third hour. Hourly rates are capped at&nbsp; $11.50 for a day pass.

Health Sciences North in Sudbury increased parking rates for patients and visitors in February, but the monthly rate for staff stayed the same. 

Online petition calls for free staff parking at Sudbury's Health Sciences North

More Stories Like This