Hospital staff work in pubs to balance cost pressure

Staff at a Kent hospital have said they pick up shifts in pubs to balance cost pressures caused by increased parking charges and wage cuts.

The cost of parking at Gillingham's Medway Maritime Hospital for one day increased from £9.20 to £15 at the start of August, while in May bank shift wages were reduced by 20%, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

One midwife, who wished to remain anonymous, said the increased costs had led many to consider their positions.

Siobhan Callanan, interim chief executive of Medway NHS Foundation Trust, said: "While we are unable to provide free parking for all colleagues, eligible staff can apply for an on-site parking permit to use designated staff parking areas."

The midwife said that she had to budget £250 a month to travel into work.

"They're kicking us whilst we're down, and I could get more as a cleaner. Some of us are doing cash-in-hand work in pubs," she said.

"It sounds ridiculous. How can you be such a qualified professional, but you're getting more money pulling pints behind a bar?"

The trust said that all income from the car parks went firstly towards maintenance and then "directly into patient care and services".

Reducing bank shift wages caused more than financial issues, the midwife added.

"We're short-staffed, we're asking people to work outside of their specialties," she said.

Medway Council deputy leader Teresa Murray said he wanted to meet with leadership about this issue.

"The hospital has a £47m deficit and this is their decision to make, but overall, this is not making anything any better," she said.

Callanan added: "We understand that any increase in parking charges is difficult for patients and visitors.

"A range of parking concessions remain available for eligible patients and visitors and the hospital is well served by public transport links.

"Our staff are highly valued and we remain committed to supporting them wherever possible."

Free off-site parking and a shuttle bus service is available to all staff, she added.

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