STAFF, patients and visitors can expect to pay more to use Sutherland Hospital's new $10 million multi-level car park.
Government body Health Infrastructure says the car park will be "self-funded, supported with user charges and with professional management of operations".
NSW Health already has a draft proposal out for consultation on increasing parking fees for staff at most Sydney hospitals.
If adopted, it would see Sutherland Hospital staff pay $21 a week, compared with $10 now.
Cronulla MP Mark Speakman said this was an operational matter for the local health district and no decision had yet been made.
"Whether any hypothetical fee would be a significant disincentive to staff use would depend in part on the convenience of having a new on-site car park and the cost of alternative transport options," he said.
Parking fees paid by patients and visitors, which at present start at $2 for up to two hours, will also be reviewed.
A Health Infrastructure spokeswoman said information about parking fees would be "communicated during the course of the project".
Health Minister Jillian Skinner has given an assurance the public, as well as staff, will have access to the new car park.
A statement of environmental effects included in the development application said the car park would be solely for staff use.
Mr Speakman said he received an assurance from Ms Skinner's office that the car park would also be for patients and visitors.
The application, which will be assessed by a joint regional planning panel, is for a seven-storey car park at the rear of the hospital, with the first stage four storeys and extra levels added in the future.
RESIDENTS HOPE FOR SOME RELIEF
GEOFF Mackey is among residents who hope, but are not confident, the new car park will lead to less parking in streets around the hospital.
Frederick Street, where he lives, is parked-out on most weekdays, mainly by hospital staff.
Mr Mackey does not object to the parking, but asks motorists, through a notice on his wheelie bin, not to park on the grass verge in front of his neatly-kept home.
‘‘Whether the new car park makes any difference will probably depend on how much they charge people to park there,’’ he said.
Are you happy to pay more to park at Sutherland Hospital?
