COVENTRY’S University Hospital has apologised for an ‘administration error’ which led to £100 parking fines being issued to ‘a small number’ of patients after receiving their Covid jab – even though parking at the Vaccination Clinics is free.
A third year University of Warwick medical student contacted the Observer about the issue.
Naomi Scarsbrook, 27, who lives in Coventry, is currently taking a break from her studies and working as a locum NHS Pharmacy Technician in Northampton.
As a frontline NHS worker, she was invited to receive her first dose of the Covid-19 vaccination at UHCW’s vaccine clinic on January 16.
Ms Scarsbrook said: “While at the clinic I was informed that parking was free for visitors to the vaccine clinic, and I was directed to a form to complete with my details so that my parking would not be charged.
“On January 26 I received a £100 parking fine for this visit to the vaccine clinic.
“I am certain they will have done this to other healthcare staff or other vulnerable individuals who were invited to receive their vaccine.
“I am appalled in the midst of such challenging times and whilst trying to encourage staff to get the vaccine, they are telling us not to pay for our parking – then slapping us with massive fines.
“This is an absolute outrage. It’s just not right. I’m an NHS worker working full-time in Northampton, there is enough stress without adding to it.”
A spokesperson for University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust said: “Parking for our COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics is free, with visitors asked to record their registration details on arrival.
“Due to an administration error, we are aware of a small number of people who have received Parking Charge Notices (PCN).
“Anyone affected should email [email protected] with the details of their appointment and PCN number for the fine to be cancelled.
“We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
Ms Scarsbrook, who immediately raised the issue with the trust, was given 14 days to appeal and received a letter today stating her fine had been cancelled.
But she said she received no apology from the CPP Team for their error.
She said: “I’m actually rather offended by the letter and so I express my dissatisfaction with the current state of resolution. They close the letter with ‘we kindly request you follow the parking terms and conditions’.
“This is extremely rude given the fact that I did not breach any of these terms and conditions.
“I parked appropriately and only did not pay before leaving as I was advised by the staff that parking was free for the clinic.
“The parking company even acknowledges this in their letter stating that Covid-19 vaccination clinic parking is free.
“This was not my error. I obeyed every rule and regulation in the UHCW Carpark on this occasion, and always have done as a born and bred local.
“They have not acknowledged their error or offered any kind of apology. Instead tried to shift the blame onto me, and I’m really insulted by that.”
