KEY POINTS:
A Wellington woman is incensed by a $45 parking fine incurred at Wellington Hospital while her daughter was being admitted to the emergency department last month.
Rosemary Mortimer's 13-year-old daughter Anna began choking on blood clots on February 27, six days after surgery to remove her tonsils.
Ms Mortimer took her to the emergency department at Wellington Hospital, The Dominion Post said today. Parking is free for emergency department patients, but they must display a parking slip.
Ms Mortimer said she put some money in the machine on arrival, thinking she would have time to go back later with a parking slip from reception.
However, Anna's condition worsened and she was admitted to hospital. It was after 5pm by the time Ms Mortimer returned to the carpark, and a ticket for $45.
She decided to appeal against the fine and wrote enclosing a copy of her daughter's hospital admission form.
The parking company replied this week, declining her request but has since decided to waive the fine.
A Wilson's Parking spokesman said each application was considered case by case.
"It is our policy that each case be considered on its individual merits and this case met all the criteria, so I don't know why her request was refused."
Parking at Wellington Hospital has been a continuing source of tension for patients and staff. Fees were raised 16 months ago, with Capital and Coast District Health Board saying it would solve the parking shortage by encouraging people to park elsewhere. Parking income has doubled to about $1.3 million a year.
- NZPA
