Hospital parking 'being abused'

Very ill patients and their families get free parking

Free parking at Antrim Area Hospital is being abused by some motorists, an MLA has told the Stormont Health Committee.

UUP member David McClarty said at least one driver had left a car at the hospital and taken a taxi to Belfast International Airport to go on holiday.

The committee has called for hospital parking charges to be abolished.

However, Ulster Unionist deputy leader Danny Kennedy accused other parties of indulging in "Santa wish list-style politics".

In May, Health Minister Michael McGimpsey announced free parking for very ill patients and their families.

He said the decision to charge other patients and visitors who made lengthy or frequent visits was up to individual trusts.