January 31, 2010

Visitors must now pay to park at Renfrew Victoria Hospital

Renfrew Victoria Hospital (RVH) reminds all visitors that they must now pay to park their vehicles on the hospital property.

Pay stations were installed throughout the RVH parking lots the week of January 25, and drivers are asked to use them to purchase parking permits that they can display on the dash of their vehicle.

The permits cost as little as $1 for one hour of parking. A full day’s pass can be purchased for $5.

“This is a necessary step to maintain a balanced budget,” explains RVH Chair Catherine O’Neil. “The revenue we make through paid parking will help us to save both jobs and services.”

RVH is facing the same financial pressures faced by hospitals throughout the province. Restricted provincial funding is not expected to match cost increases such as predetermined wage agreements and supply costs.

“While we receive phenomenal financial support from our local community, RVH is facing economic challenges in meeting our day-to-day operating costs,” explains CEO Randy Penney. “Many of the costs beyond our control continue to increase at a higher rate than the government funding we receive.”

Provincial legislation requires all hospitals to plan balanced budgets. Guidelines from the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care direct hospitals to maximize their revenue streams in order to avoid unnecessary cuts to services or programs.

“The bottom line is that RVH can no longer afford to ignore this revenue stream and pay out of pocket to provide free parking,” Penney states. “Money that is spent on maintaining our parking lots is money that is not available for patient care.”

Staff and physicians at the hospital began paying for parking as of January 1. They were offered monthly rates with the option of paying through payroll deductions or by cheque. Within days of receiving notice of the new system, more than 80% of staff had signed up.

“We are very grateful for their support,” says Penney. “Staff have told us that they will do whatever they can to save jobs and maintain the high quality of care they are able to provide. Once again, they’ve taken a leadership role on behalf of our community.”

Regular visitors to the hospital, such as those receiving dialysis or chemotherapy treatments, may also purchase monthly passes for $20. Information and passes are available at the finance department offices in the administration wing of the hospital.

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(For more information, contact Randy Penney, CEO, Renfrew Victoria Hospital, 613-432-4851, ext. 260.)