Christmas parking blunder to benefit Wellington patients (From This is The West Country)

Christmas parking blunder to benefit Wellington patients

9:00am Tuesday 12th March 2013 in News

HOSPITAL patients in Wellington are set to benefit from a festive parking blunder.

Some drivers were mistakenly hit with fines over the Christmas period – despite Taunton Deane Council agreeing to waive charges to boost festive trade.

The parking tickets racked up £650 and now the council is handing over the money to buy a piece of medical equipment for Wellington’s hospital.

John Bailey, who chairs Wellington Hospital’s League of Friends, said the equipment would save some patients from having to travel to Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton for tests.

He added: “This enhances further the ability of Well-ington Community Hospital to serve local people in town and support our local GPs.”

The council said shoppers could park for free on the four Saturdays leading up to Christmas but a mistake on the first weekend saw some drivers given parking tickets.

The proceeds will fund a blood centrifuge and benefit renal patients – those suffering with kidney disorders – in particular.

Town Mayor Vivienne Stock-Williams said: “It is heartening news that this unexpected windfall is being put to such good use.

"Residents are very proud of our hospital which is at the heart of the well-being of our community.

“The League of Friends fundraises tirelessly and it is excellent to be able to help them achieve their current ambition to provide a much-needed blood centrifuge in the near future.”