'We shouldn’t be charged for sick children': Mum slapped with $1000 parking fine at Perth hospital
A Perth mum says she’s appalled she’s been slapped with a $1000 parking fine after forgetting to buy a parking ticket while rushing her sick child into hospital.
Monique Garcia has accused the State Government of preying on sick children’s parents after she copped the huge fine for spending two hours at Princess Margaret Hospital.
“It was such a slap in the face,” Ms Garcia said of the $1000 ticket.
“I certainly can’t afford $1000.”
Ms Garcia’s son Nathan, who was born with half a heart, complained of chest pains on Wednesday.
Having spent much of his life in and out of hospital, Ms Garcia rushed Nathan in to the building and in a moment of panic, didn’t buy a parking ticket.
“(Nathan) was saying his heart was on fire,” the single mother said.
“We shouldn’t be charged for having sick children.”
The $1000 penalty now applies at all of Perth’s public hospitals, except the privately run Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, under new regulations that were approved in June.
If drivers forget to pay for parking at SCGH, there’s a $40 fine after a warning.
“$1000 is totally unethical and extreme,” Ms Garcia said.
Ms Garcia was told her $1000 parking fine would be discounted to $200 if she paid it within 28 days.
Health Minister John Day signed off the new $1000 parking penalty, but on Thursday he ordered an immediate review when contacted by 7News.
