A union for NHS services stands with complaints of increased parking charges for staff at the hospital.

Some staff at Northwick Park Hospital will have to pay nearly double the money than they currently do to park at the hospital starting tomorrow (February 1).

The amount charged depends on a staff members salary band and their role in the hospital, meaning that those members on the higher bands would pay £91.25 per month.

Staff classed in the lowest band would however pay a reduced price of £24.50 per month.

The London North West University Healthcare Trust (LNWH) said this is due to an “extremely challenging” financial position the trust is faced.

Since employees were notified of increased parking charges, many shared their concerns to the Harrow Times.

Staff addressed issues including parking space availability not being guaranteed, the charges being a burden on top of petrol costs and car insurance, and exploitation of hardworking employees.

UNISON, the NHS public service union that represents Northwick Park Hospital, have also received various complaints from staff about the parking charges.

UNISON Greater London regional organiser, Joel Bodmer, said: “It’s disappointing that the trust plans to increase car parking charges for the majority of staff at Northwick Park.

“They will quite rightly see any increase at tantamount to a pay cut.

“Healthcare workers should not be used to shoulder the burden of the financial pressures the trust is facing.

“Trust managers are aware of our concerns and we hope to be able to persuade them to think again.”

Following the announcement, a spokesperson from LNWH called it a difficult “but necessary decision” which was not taken lightly.

They said: “However, given our challenging financial position, we have made these changes to staff parking charges to help minimise the effect of our financial deficit on patient care as much as possible.

“The revised parking charges reflect individual’s ability to pay relating to their pay band, so our lowest paid staff will pay less for parking.

“This compares favourably with the cost of public transport which the majority of our staff uses.

“Staff are always welcome to share any concerns they have with us, and if there are any specific issues which require further review, we will of course work closely with them to resolve these.”