Critics upset as SHA begins charging for emergency parking at Regina hospitals

While in emergency care at both major hospitals in Regina, people may be running out the door to plug parking meters.

New rules handed down from the Saskatchewan Health Authority now require paid parking for emergency stalls at the Regina General Hospital and Pasqua Hospital.

Everett Hindley, Saskatchewan’s health minister, said he plans to ask the health authority why the new parking payments were implemented.

“We don’t want to see this where this is a burden for patients and their families in emergency departments,” he said.

The health authority made the changes last month, and the new parking rules at Regina’s emergency departments align with all major hospitals in Saskatoon.

Hindley said he expects the health authority will be mindful of both emergencies and busy circumstances.

“At a time where you might be visiting a hospital in an emergency situation, that’s obviously not ideal,” the minister said.

“That’s the last thing on your mind … You’re wanting to get parked and get your family member, your friend, whoever it is, the care that they need.”

People can still park in the emergency spaces for 60 minutes without worrying about getting a ticket, according to Hindley.

NDP MLA Nicole Sarauer, whose riding includes the Regina General Hospital, said the last thing people should have to worry about during a medical emergency is paying for parking.

“It’s an emergency, and they need to get in to see a doctor immediately,” she said.

“Sick or injured patients don’t have time to fumble with change or an app on their phone. They should be able to focus on getting in and getting the health care that they need.”

This is another issue on the list of chronic parking problems specifically at the Regina General Hospital.

Hindley said the government has made significant investments to improve parking at that hospital. Construction has begun on the Regina General Hospital’s new parkade, which is set to finish in November 2024.

–With files from 980 CJME’s Lisa Schick.