From the 17th of January 2022, hundreds of staff will be unable to park in the RIE staff car park without a permit. The only two alternatives offered is car sharing which is not permitted due to the new strain of COVID. Alternatively we are asked to park at Sherriff Hall Park and ride and get a shuttle bus to the hospital. If not we have to get public transport.

After two years of working tirelessly fighting against COVID-19, this is the thanks we get from the NHS Trust. Many healthcare professionals work 12.5 hour shifts. These changes will mean many staff will be adding up to 2 hours journey time onto an already long day. 

With the new variant spreading fast amongst the country the NHS are severely short staffed more than normal. Staff are on their knees and it will only get worse. Staff are looking for alternative posts at different hospitals and bank/agency staff wont be picking up shifts due to not being eligible for permits to park on site. Making the hospitals unsafe with staffing levels. 

We need this re-evaluated and suitable solutions offered to protect staff well-being and prevent further staff shortfalls at the RIE site.