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I feel this is a private company scamming vulnerable people

Posted By Scammed

"I feel this is a private company scamming vulnerable people"

About: University Hospital Lewisham

(as a service user),

Visit Lewisham Hospital with a disabled person, parked in a blue badge bay, I have read the letter saying I can park in a disabled bay and use a blue badge for four hours.

This information is on the rear of the appointment letter, a week later I get a fine come through for failing to pay. I appealed saying what I did above. Only to be advised that I need to register the car in the main reception even after putting the car in a disabled bay and displaying the badge.

Our visit to this hospital was at a different location to the main reception and did not see any signs saying I need to register my car. This information should be on the rear of the letter to advise people.

If you read the information that is sent to you and it is not right then that is not my fault, I feel that is a hospital administration failure.

The disabled person I was taking to hospital has been wheelchair bound for the last 20 years due to a stroke and has no use to their left arm or leg.

I took care to read the information on the letter. Why would I check other parking signs. When I get to the hospital my biggest concern is the patient and ensuring their safety.

This is a failure on the Trusts part and not mine but I have to pay a fine of £40 due to my appeal failing and was told I should read the notice.

I feel this is a private company scamming vulnerable people.

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Responses

Response from University Hospital Lewisham nearly 2 years ago
University Hospital Lewisham

Submitted on 31/05/2022 at 15:16
Published on nhs.uk at 15:46

We have introduced an automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) system at University Hospital Lewisham to ensure that genuine Blue Badge holders can park in our disabled car park. Prior to this, it was clear that people were abusing the Blue Badge scheme.

With the new system, Blue Badge holders need to register their vehicles on tablets each time they park, which entitles them to four hours of free parking. There are various tablets located at different entrance points.

We have signs in the car park and at main entrances explaining the new system and are keeping it under constant review to ensure the best experience for Blue Badge holders.

We note that you have already made an appeal and would ask that you contact the Patient Experience team on LG.patientexperienceLGT@nhs.net if you would like to discuss this further.

Kind regards

Patient Experience team

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