Free hospital parking in N.S. a relief for many, but are there enough spots? – Halifax [Video]

Free parking is coming to hospitals across Nova Scotia for patients, visitors and staff.

The new protocol begins Thursday and is a huge relief for health-care workers, who, up until now, had to pay along with the general public.

“If you have a patient here, minimum stay is probably five to seven days. That adds up over time,” said Katrina Manders, a clinical specialist who works at the QEII Infirmary in Halifax.

“For the patients definitely, but more for the staff that are working here day in and day out — it’s expensive. Staff here have been wanting this for a long time. It’s been a long time coming.”

Many Nova Scotians share this sentiment, regardless of why they’re at the hospital.

“About six years ago, my husband had cancer, and we had to be at the radiation centre for 39 sessions,” said Sandra Butler, who is now a patient …