Cash back for hospital car park users after mix-up (From This is The West Country)

Cash back for hospital car park users after mix-up

2:10pm Thursday 7th March 2013 in Devon By Mid Devon Star Reporter

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 vital 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 Wellington 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 wellbeing of our community.

“The League of Friends fund-raises 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.”