Grafton Hospital staffer launches petition against parking fines

‘We’re a country hospital... all we’re asking for is just a bit of compassion,’ says one frustrated nurse.

Grafton Base Hospital staff have launched a petition after receiving fines for parking near the hospital.

Grafton Base Hospital staff have called on Clarence Valley Council to give them a fair go after copping multiple parking fines in recent months.

A petition against the fines was launched over the weekend by enrolled nurse Darren Demmery after watching several colleagues cop a ticket for parking in timed spaces outside the hospital premises after failing to find an alternative untimed spot.

As of Tuesday, almost 700 signatures have been collected.

Mr Demmery, who personally received a $360 parking fine three months ago, said that looks were often deceiving about the availability of parking in and around the hospital.

“Most people might think there’s plenty of parking, but there isn’t. When there are two shifts at the same time, it’s choc-a-block, and has been for months where staff are struggling to find a spot to park,” he said.

“We’re still in code red at the moment where no visitors are allowed and having these problems, but once we eventually throw visitors back into the mix, what’s going to happen then?”

Council director of environment and planning Adam Cameron said the message had been received loud and clear with plans already underway to find a solution as soon as possible.

“We’re certainly aware there’s a problem, which was brought to our attention (on Monday morning) and we’re committed to having a meeting with hospital management to find a solution,” director of environment and planning for Clarence Valley Council Adam Cameron said.

“I think it’s ultimately about trying to strike the right balance between timed parking in an area where people need to get in and out, and all-day parking.”

Mr Demmery said some kind of exemption staff sticker along with painting designated parking lines out the front of the old jail along Arthur Street would go a long way toward relieving this problem.

“Parking officers would then be able to easily identify who owns the car,” he said.

“We’re a country hospital without a flash carpark; all we’re asking for is just a bit of compassion.”