Sudbury hospital to offer 'pay-as-you-go' parking — and day passes
'We want a parking system providing patients and visitors with more choice and flexibility,' says HSN COO
Health Sciences North has announced that it will change how patients pay for parking at the facility, switching over to a "pay-as-you-go" system this month.
According to a press release sent out by HSN, parking lots closest to the main building will be for patients and visitors. Drivers will have the choice of paying by the hour or buying a daily pass that allows unlimited in-and-out access for a 20-hour period.
Under the current system, the release said, drivers are charged $6.00 every time they leave the parking lot.
In January, CBC reported that gross revenues from HSN parking were approximately $3.2 million last year. The money is used to pay for the construction, upkeep and maintenance of parking lots and help fund health care services.
"This new system will be much better for patients who only need to come to hospital for a short time, and family members and friends who are visiting patients several times a day," said Mary Jane Scott, a member of HSN's parking committee.
"It means they are only paying for the parking they use, and the new daily pass means they don't have to keep paying a new fee every time they enter and exit the lot."
"We don't want the price of parking to be a barrier to coming here. We want a parking system that provides patients and visitors with more choice and flexibility," said Joe Pilon, HSN's senior vice president and chief operating officer. "Having the input of patients was key to designing this new system."
HSN expects the new parking system to be fully implemented by the end of the year.