During my recent hospitalization at The Royal Berkshire Hospital for pneumonia, I was afforded the privilege to witness the unwavering dedication and care that nurses  and healthcare workers provide every single day. The constant support and compassion they offered not only to me but to all their patients was nothing short of inspiring. However, it came to my attention that these extraordinary individuals are burdened with parking charges simply to perform their essential duties. This is unequivocally unjust.

Nurses at The Royal Berkshire Hospital, along with countless others nationwide, work tirelessly to ensure the wellbeing of their patients. They often work long and demanding shifts and should not have to bear the financial stress of parking fees just to do their jobs. The reality is that the average nurse in the UK makes approximately £33,000 per year,  and other healthcare workers earn far, far less. With the rising cost of living, every expense adds up, parking fees included.

Whilst nurses do pay subsidised rates, I believe parking at work should be a basic right for hospital staff, not an additional stressor. In the face of a national healthcare crisis, it is crucial we support our healthcare workers in every way possible. Providing free parking for nurses is a tangible way to acknowledge their crucial contributions during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.

Staff are provided with two park-and-ride sites in Reading, however for females on night shifts, travelling by bus to these deserted car parks does not feel safe.

Implementing free parking for nurses at The Royal Berkshire Hospital is not only a moral obligation but a practical decision. If nursing staff are less worried about these unnecessary fees, they can focus more on providing exemplary care. Hospitals elsewhere have adopted more lenient parking policies for their staff, setting a precedent that others can follow.

Please join me in calling upon The Royal Berkshire Hospital administration and local government to revoke  all parking charges for nurses. It is time we stand up for those who have continually stood by us in our times of need. Our nurses deserve every measure of support we can offer. Please sign this petition to make a difference and lift this unfair financial burden from the shoulders of our caring nurses. Sign to make change happen.