We strongly oppose the proposed introduction of parking charges at Ellesmere Port Hospital, which includes Whitby Health Partnership (GP Practice) and Allied Pharmacy. These new parking rates would be significantly more expensive than the current town centre parking charges, placing an undue financial burden on patients, visitors, and healthcare workers who are already dealing with enough challenges.

The proposed parking charges are as follows:
- First 30 minutes: Free
- Up to 4 hours: £3.65
- Up to 6 hours: £5.70
- Up to 24 hours: £7.80

We are also deeply concerned that parking charges will:

• Push cars onto already overcrowded residential streets which may cause access issues for emergency vehicles
• Make it harder for patients to attend GP, physiotherapy, counselling, vaccination, and dementia services across local practices
• Disadvantage patients attending Ellesmere Port Hospital
• Damage important clinical research taking place at the hospital 
  
  

For many in our community, these costs will add up quickly, making routine visits to healthcare providers and hospitals much more daunting. Healthcare facilities should be places that are easily accessible and welcoming, not stress-inducing due to financial worries. In this current climate, where accessing medical care should be straightforward and as hassle-free as possible, adding a barrier in the form of high parking charges undermines that mission.

We urge the Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust to reconsider these proposals and work with local GP practices, patients, and the community to find a fairer solution.

Healthcare access should be a basic right, not a privilege hampered by financial constraints.

Please join us in urging the decision-makers to drop the proposed parking charges plan immediately and protect access to our local healthcare facilities. Sign this petition to show your support for a community issue that impacts us all. Your voice matters, and together, we can bring about change.