Paying for parking is a reality in many cities, but Jack Bradcoe believes hospital patients shouldn’t have to feed the meter. To make a statement, he’s chosen to park at a nearby grocery store and trek close to 20 minutes to Penticton Regional Hospital.
Bradcoe, who has a heart condition and mobility issues, admitts the walk is difficult.
“I have fallen a couple of times,” he said. “The doctors would prescribe me not to do it.”
The Okanagan senior sees his urologist once a month and gets treatment at the hospital.
He believes patients should receive a special pass that allows them to park at the hospital for free.
“The government has decided they’re going to make money on the backs of the sick and the disabled.”
Bradcoe isn’t alone in voicing his annoyance.
“People who are coming for cancer treatment have to drive around looking for a place to park, and then worry about having enough money on the meter, it’s ridiculous,” said Dale McKinnon.
But B.C.’s Health Ministry said in a statement, “rates are intended to encourage stall rotation to ensure patients have access to parking at all times…Pay parking provides capital for maintaining, improving and expanding parking facilities that would otherwise be taken from the healthcare budget.”
In the last fiscal year, the Penticton Regional Hospital’s parking meters generated $584,349.
Andrew Pattison, Interior Health Authority’s parking manager, said the money helps to pay for maintenance and round-the-clock security.
“It’s not a cash grab. In some cases, it doesn’t net any revenue and in some cases, it’s very little but it all goes back to the health authority’s dollars,” he said.
Pattison said IHA does make some exceptions when it comes to parking. It has the ability to waive fees when paying for parking poses a financial hardship.
Until parking is free for every patient, Bradcoe is prepared to continue making the trek.
“I’m not supposed to be under any kind of stress but I feel that this boycott is that I’m doing is of that importance I will risk what I have to bring it to the public’s attention,” he said.
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