Editor:
Attendees at CARP White Rock Surrey’s annual general meeting Oct. 13 took part in an open discussion about local issues, which included the need for free hospital parking and better safety for pedestrians.
It was agreed that, as chapter chair, I would write a letter to Fraser Health plus all MPs and MLAs representing White Rock/Surrey, requesting that the paid-parking situation be addressed.
We are the only province in the country that pays MSP premiums, and everyone agreed paid parking at hospitals adds insult to injury.
“Why does Delta Hospital not have paid parking?” my members asked.
“How can I go and put more money in the meter when I am hooked up to intravenous therapy that I had not counted on receiving?” asked one attendee.
Other concerns about hospital paid parking included not knowing how long an appointment would take due to unknown or unexpected waiting times, pay-parking machines not working and added stress in an already-stressful situation, whether you are the patient or the visitor.
CARP – a non-partisan, non-profit organization for those 50-plus – is committed to advocating for financial security and improved health care for Canadians. We have 300,000-plus members nationwide.
Our chapter requested a reply and look forward to receiving something. So far, nothing.
Ramona Kaptyn, CARP White Rock/Surrey