Make A Difference With Petitions
Sometimes we can feel powerless to change things as individuals, but together we can make a difference. That’s why I’m a firm believer in the power of raising awareness, in campaigning in whatever ways possible, and in signing petitions as a means of affecting change. I thought I’d do a quick one here to share two current petitions that are hoping to get enough signatures to be investigated and discussed in parliament.
If you want add your name and make your voice heard, please find the relevant links below :
1. Car Park Charges In NHS Hospitals
The Prime Minister is feeling the pressure with campaigners pushing for car parking charges in hospitals to be scrapped. Aptly referred to as the ‘stealth tax on sickness’, car parking charges rake in millions each year – £174 million reported for 2017 – at the expense of those who are ill, visiting sick friends and relatives, and even staff. I’ve posted before about the charges, which line the pockets of both the treasury and the private firms working on behalf of the NHS to run the car parks.
It’s been reported that a petition has been given to Downing Street with over 26,000 signatures, but 100,000 are needed to get the issue debated in parliament. Abolishing hospital parking charges has never been something Theresa May has set out to do, while Jeremy Corbyn had claimed to want to see this happen if he were PM. England is behind the curve yet again, with Wales no longer charging for car parking and most hospitals in Scotland offering free parking also.
Scrapping charges altogether would bring its own problems, not just in terms of lost income for the powers that be but potential issues with those not visiting the hospital using the car park. Surely there are ways to mitigate such problems (ie. proof of visitation or appointment). The eye-watering cost to park is a problem needs to be adequately addressed.
You can sign the petition here.
2. Ocrelizumab Treatment For Primary Progressive MS
NICE has since gone back on their initial decision and approved the treatment Ocrelizumab for relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis on the NHS in England/Wales. However, it is still not being approved for those with early primary progressive MS, despite the treatment potentially being able to offer hope for thousands that have the condition.
Please sign the petition & share if you can. Bureaucracy & money shouldn’t stop those who need such treatments from getting them in the UK!
♥
Thank you for reading & I hope everyone can have as positive a weekend as possible.
Caz ♥
22 comments
Money really is the root of all evil, here I was just blaming insurance companies, but it does all come down to money
“Root of all evil”, I think you’ve nailed it there sadly.
x
Follow the money, always follow the money. In the big cities the hospitals charge for parking too. It’s very expensive.
Have a fabulous day. ♥
You’re right, it’s always about a money trail and it’s sad there’s not more compassion for people to outweigh financial greed.x
Signed both ????
Woohooo! =]
Signed them both! x
Yay, the more the merrier! 🙂
Oh Caz, I’d sign if I could, but I’m in the US.
Not that I’m proud of that right now.
I agree though, we often feel we are powerless, but in numbers we can make a difference.
It’s the thought that counts, thank you Wendy! I’m sorry about the current state of things in the US and the obvious knock-on effect that has to you, I feel the same about a lot of things in the UK and the direction everything seems to be going in. But don’t give up hope, things can and will change, but hopefully for the better in future…xx
I tend to blame most if not all issues on the insurance companies. I believe the insurance companies are money driven and not there to help those in need. I signed this petition Caz and hope it helps!
Insurance companies are one of those ‘necessary evils’ but they never seem to get any better, there’s just no trust in them at all really, pure greed! Thank you for the comment and for taking the time to sign, Alys! 🙂
xx
Like Wendy from the US, I too would sign, Caz; however, I am not eligible as an Aussie.
We also have unacceptable car parking fees here, with the rates increased as at July 1, 2018. There are some concessional rates; however, they are very small indeed. Profit before health seems to be the motive!
It’s kind of you to read regardless, so thank you Carolyn! I’m sorry you also have such charges on parking, it’s a pity the ‘powers that be’ aren’t more considerate of those using the services rather than just the profit! x
Both petitions signed!
Woohoo, that’s great, thanks Paula! x
Thank you for sharing these.
Glad to get the word out a little 🙂
I have signed both, Caz – the parking is a huge issue for those of us constantly at the hospital to one consultant or another!
That’s great Claire, about signing rather than you know all too well the issues with parking even with a blue badge. Thanks for the comment 🙂
hello Caz, thank you for dropping by and follow my simple blog, i really appreciated it.
you have an interesting blog, i hope i can explore more of your writings.
thank you again, and good luck with the petition ????
Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to read! They’re not my petitions, but I wanted to share them as I believe both are very good causes – I do hope they get a good response, and it looks like they’re going well so far. Have a lovely end to your week 🙂