The cost of accessing healthcare is always high in the New England with most having to travel to the coast for specialist services.
One cost will soon be eliminated at many travelling patients, with the NSW Government making parking free at Tweed, Coffs Harbour, Lismore, Maitland and Belmont (Lake Macquarie) hospitals.
NSW Regional Health Minister Ryan Park said the change will make a big difference for patients, their families and carers.
“As part of our election commitment, free parking has now been extended to regional hospitals, including here at the Tweed, Coffs Harbour, Lismore, Maitland, Belmont and Shoalhaven,” Mr Park said.
“I’m pleased to be making this announcement here at the new Tweed Valley Hospital, where residents have been vocal about the need for free parking.”
“We’re committed to improving access and delivering high-quality health care to our rural, regional and remote communities.”
Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin has been a longstanding advocate for free parking at health facilities.
“I’ve been determined to deliver on this for my community in Lismore, and I am really pleased that it will not just be delivered for my community, but at hospitals and health facilities across regional NSW,” Ms Saffin said.
“With the rollout of the free parking initiative across regional health facilities, we’re easing the financial burden on patients and visitors to our hospitals.
“The initiative is designed to make hospital access more seamless for regional, rural and remote communities who are faced with unique geographical challenges when accessing healthcare.”
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