WAGGA Base Hospital's car parking debacle has taken another twist, with employees angry private contractors are being paid a "casual" rate to patrol the carpark.
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The development of Wagga's new multimillion-dollar hospital has been consistently marred by numerous parking debates.
In October, general manager Denis Thomas confirmed he had personally slapped parking fines on vehicles illegally parked at the hospital.
This angered patients, visitors and nurses who have been vocal about "inadequate" parking at the city's sole public hospital.
Now, Mr Thomas has confirmed private security guards have been hired to patrol the carpark - this was the focal point of a Health Service Union (HSU) meeting on Wednesday night.
"Wagga Wagga Health Service has employed a casual security officer to patrol the time and restricted parking areas and issue infringement notices to free up more car spaces," Mr Thomas said in a statement supplied to the Advertiser.
"The security officer works varying days and times and is paid the standard casual award rate."
HSU Murrumbidgee organiser Judy Owen said staff employed as Health and Security Assistants (HASA) were angered they were not allowed to do the job.
"They were willing to do that job," she said.
"At the moment they do security, pushing beds and looking after patients, they want move towards straight security."
Ms Owen said HASA's would have to have their job classification changed to security officer, something Mr Thomas was not prepared to do - despite this being a cheaper option.
"They are prepared to take a pay cut to do this," she said.
Exasperated by the state of affairs, Ms Owen said "nobody knew" why Mr Thomas was against allowing the Murrumbidgee Local Health District staff to do security patrolling.
She questioned whether it was because HASA's wanted to patrol in pairs at night, rather than individually, due to safety concerns.
Ms Owen confirmed another meeting would be held next week to further discuss this.
In a statement, Mr Thomas said: "we consider issuing of infringement notices to be part of HASA duties".
"Contracted security officers cost more than HASA staff however, at times are required to ensure the continuity of service.
"Discussions are continuing with the HSU."
