THIS week I had the misfortune to visit Hereford County Hospital and although I had expected charges, I was unprepared for exploitation of sick and elderly.
The hospital is a mile from town, and the nearest bus stop 800 yards away, so for those who lack mobility the only option is the hospital car park.
Visits are rarely less than two hours and for some it is more than once per week. The car park is managed by a French conglomerate whose interest is excessive profits with no benefit to the hospital or patients. Although there is sense in contracting out facilities, there is no excuse for the trust to relinquish total control.
The local council, also strapped for cash, is still able to operate car parks in the town at 70 per cent lower charges, so why is the hospital allowed to penalise the sick and elderly from their taxed income?
It is for sure that the hospital and trust executives neither suffer these charges, nor have benefit in kind applied to their tax allowances. They should show care and make meaningful not nominal concessions to hospital patients.
KEITH TAYLOR, Hinton Cantiacorum, Peterchurch.
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