Hopes a resolution can be found on Edinburgh royal infirmary "parking crisis"
Edinburgh MSP and Lib Dem Leader Alex Cole Hamilton is one of the politicians who will meet with NHS Lothian to discuss the issue
Lib Dem leader and Edinburgh West MSP Alex Cole-Hamilton is to meet with NHS Lothian, along with fellow MSPs from the area.
They are looking to discuss the "parking crisis" with the health board, which has been caused by a new parking system.
The politician claims it's led to many members of staff having to walk long distances in the dark, or take lengthy bus journeys to get to and from work.
Over 28,000 people have signed a petition about the issue, claiming that it's not just inconvenient , but also prompts safety concerns.
The new system, which works on a points based algorithm, has been in place since mid-January.
The hospital has increased its shuttle bus timetable to include staff whose shifts finish after 9pm, and increased capacity in the car park on a trial basis, but many staff remain concerned.
Mr Cole-Hamilton said:
“I’ve lost count of the number of my constituents in Edinburgh West who’ve been in touch to raise the issue of parking at the RIE. One constituent who works at the hospital told me how she was forced to take a three-hour bus journey on top of her already gruelling twelve-hour shift.
“All staff working at the RIE have done an incredible job, under the most trying circumstances imaginable over the course of the pandemic and many of them feel they are being punished by these changes to the permit system.
“I’m pleased to bring together a group of fellow Lothian MSPs this week to make sure staff at the RIE are treated fairly and that everything is being done to address their concerns”
We've asked NHS Lothian for comment.