A REDDITCH resident recently diagnosed with cancer said she had been left frustrated after spending an ‘exorbitant’ amount on parking fees.
Su Willmott from Crabs Cross will be going to the Worcestershire Royal Hospital for chemotherapy three times a week for the next few months.
Her treatment is expected to take four hours, which means she will be paying around £25-a-week for parking.
Su said: “I obviously won’t be working during my treatment which means spending that much a week isn’t feasible.
“I will already be spending a ridiculous amount on fuel to get me to the Worcestershire Royal.
“It’s not something I want to have to worry about when I’m going through treatment.”
Although Su is 68, she is still working.
She added: “Because myself and my husband are working, we’re not entitled to any concessions for fuel or parking costs.
“We’ve thought about my husband dropping me to the hospital, but because he’s a painter and decorator, if he’s not working he’s not earning.
“We’ve paid for the NHS our whole working lives and now when we’re pinched there doesn’t seem to be any help available.”
Su wants to move her treatment to Kidderminster Hospital and Treatment Centre as it is closer.
“We can get to Kidderminster in about 45 minutes which is better than the hour it takes to get to the Worcestershire Royal.
“It’s still not great but we’ve got no choice.
“I want to concentrate on my treatment and recovery, not worrying about money.”
Matthew Hopkins, chief executive of Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust said: “We regularly benchmark our car parking charges against other local hospital trusts to ensure our charges remain in line with, or are cheaper, than the average hospital parking charges.
“In line with national guidance, we also offer free parking to those with the greatest need, including frequent outpatients.
“We’re sorry to hear of Mrs Willmott’s diagnosis, but pleased she is going to be receiving the appropriate treatment.”
