Sudbury hospital to offer 'pay-as-you-go' parking and day passes

Health Sciences North hasannounced that it will change how patients pay for parking at the facility, switching over to a "pay-as-you-go"system this month.

According to a press release sent out by HSN, parking lots closest to the main building will be for patients and visitors. Drivers will have the choice of paying by the hour or buying a daily pass that allows unlimited in-and-outaccess for a 20-hour period.

Under the currentsystem, the release said, drivers are charged $6.00 every time they leavethe parking lot.

In January, CBC reported thatgross revenues from HSN parking were approximately $3.2 million last year.Themoney isused to pay for the construction, upkeep and maintenance of parking lots and help fundhealth care services.

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"This new system will be much better for patients who only need to come to hospital for a shorttime, and family members and friends who are visiting patients several times a day," said Mary Jane Scott, a member of HSN's parking committee.

"It means they are only paying for the parking they use, and the new daily pass means they don't have to keep paying a new fee every time they enter and exit the lot."

"We don't want the price of parking to be a barrier to coming here. We want a parking systemthat provides patients and visitors with more choice and flexibility," said Joe Pilon, HSN'ssenior vice president and chief operating officer. "Having the input of patients was key to designingthis new system."

HSN expects the new parking system to be fully implemented by the end of the year.