Hansard

I, too, welcome this debate. This issue is of major public concern in West Lothian and, indeed, in west Edinburgh, and it has generated considerable heat. I think that we are having this debate because of the sense of ownership of St John's that the people of West Lothian have, as patients, visitors or members of staff. As Bristow Muldoon says, we place great importance in the unitary authority in West Lothian, and we should emphasise that all parties will work to champion that concept in the future.

We should recognise the role of St John's in the local community. I suffered because of the transport problems in West Lothian when I had to get to antenatal classes before the birth of my son at St John's, so I recognise those public transport difficulties. I pay tribute to the staff at St John's. In particular, the burns unit receives national acclaim. I know of many people who have to travel to visit people in the burns unit and are obviously there for a long time. We do not want to put a price on care. I am concerned that the proposals on car park charges will cause difficulties. I also pay tribute to the campaign that has been mounted locally, in particular by the SNP, but also by Unison. We cannot have low-paid workers paying for the privilege of work. I hope that the minister will address that major issue.

Although there are some points on which we will reach a consensus, I think that there are two issues on which Bristow Muldoon and I disagree. The first relates to underfunding. We should recognise that the trust board has admitted that its proposals were made on the basis of cost. In a letter that was sent to me on 2 February, the trust board said:

"The question of car parking was discussed by the Trust on two counts (a) to address the traffic flow and indiscriminate parking which is taking place and (b) to generate a revenue stream which will help address a budget deficit in the next financial year."

The other issue on which Bristow Muldoon and I disagree is the role of the Executive. I know that in recent days the Executive has sent out a letter saying that car parking charges should not be used as a revenue stream for hospital care. It might be helpful if the minister explained the status of that letter and instruction. We should recognise that the trust would not have to seek that revenue stream if there were not problems over funding. It is expected that the trust's deficit will rise from £300,000 this year to £3 million next year. We care about the NHS, about our workers in the NHS and about patients, who require the best treatment. Visits contribute to recovery.

We should consider alternative proposals. I hope that the Deputy Minister for Health and

Community Care will intervene to get everybody round the table. It is possible that for £60,000 an additional 50 parking places could be found at St John's. There is off-site parking 10 minutes away at Livingston football stadium. The point that Bristow made about consultation is absolutely right.

We should recognise the cross-party agreement on this issue. An amendment proposed at the trust board by the SNP council group leader, Peter Johnston, was seconded by the Labour council leader. There is strong feeling about the issue, as I hope the Deputy Minister for Health and Community Care will recognise. The issue is not peculiar to West Lothian, although people there feel particularly strongly about it. We must not put a price on care or on working in the NHS; we must not have car park charges at St John's.