Patients who are admitted to the hospital are already facing a difficult and stressful time. The last thing they need is to be taken advantage of with high parking rates. Unfortunately, this is a reality for many patients and their families. There are a number of reasons why hospitals charge high parking rates. First, hospitals are expensive to run and they need to generate revenue in order to keep their doors open. Second, hospitals are typically located in densely populated areas, which means that there is a limited amount of space for parking. As a result, hospitals have to charge high rates in order to cover the cost of maintaining their parking facilities. Despite the high cost of parking, many patients have no other choice but to pay the fees. For some, it is simply not possible to find street parking or to take public transportation. Others may have a long drive to the hospital and need to have their car available in case of an emergency. Whatever the reason, patients should not have to worry about being ripped off by high parking rates.
Patients can park for free at some rural locations in Toronto, while downtown patients can park for more than $20 per day. Hamilton Health Sciences and St. Joseph’s Healthcare recently announced a rate increase of 25%. Some hospitals may be in a difficult position when it comes to accommodating patient and visitor parking spaces. Parking fees at hospitals will be reduced or even capped as part of a deal struck between Ontario’s Liberal government and health care providers. As part of the federal government’s ongoing effort to simplify health care, it also announced in January that GST/HST would no longer be applicable to hospital parking. It is unknown whether patients will receive any savings from the program. An editorial published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal addressed parking fees in 2011.
Parking revenues have become more important in Ontario than base operating funding increases for hospitals. Parking at the Northumberland Hills Hospital in Cobourg costs the facility around $500,000 per year. The Ottawa Hospital made $17.3 million from parking in fiscal year 2014, resulting in a $16.6 million surplus. Unlike in Ontario, where snow removal is handled by contractors, snow removal is handled by private contractors. In a recent vote, the Health Sciences North board of directors approved the purchase of nearly 1,000 acres of land for parking. For $3 more, Sunnybrook provides a parking garage for patients to leave their cars at the door. The “blue-tie ambassadors” assist patients leaving their vehicles at the door, allowing drivers to find a parking spot. The Ottawa Hospital has ambassadors on three campuses as well as the cancer center. Caregivers illegally parked outside the building, loaded their loved ones into wheelchairs, and drove up to the building.
Why Do They Charge For Parking At Hospitals?
There are a few reasons for why parking fees are charged at hospitals. One reason is that it helps to cover the cost of maintenance for the parking lot. It also helps to offset the cost of security for the parking lot. Another reason for the parking fees is that it helps to encourage people to carpool or use public transportation when possible, which helps to reduce traffic and congestion around the hospital.
In Philadelphia, the researchers examined 20 hospitals and inquired about the price of electrocardiograms. An ECG is a fairly simple way to determine the rate of heartbeat. Only three of 20 hospitals were willing to charge a price for a simple urine test. According to research, hospitals do not always provide good prices for basic medical procedures.
What Are The Main Risks For The Patients During Their Stay In The Hospital?
There are a few main risks for patients during their stay in the hospital. One of the most common is the risk of contracting an infection, as hospitals are full of germs. Another risk is the risk of falling, as patients may be dizzy or unsteady on their feet. Patients may also be at risk for developing blood clots, which can be deadly. Finally, patients may be at risk for becoming dehydrated or malnourished if they are not able to eat or drink properly while in the hospital.
