Indiana University Health West in Avon is eliminating its valet parking service Jan. 1, sparking "outrage" among older, disabled and chronically ill patients, the Indianapolis Star reported Dec. 12.
The hospital decided to sunset the service "given the continuing financial pressures on the healthcare industry," a spokesperson for the hospital told Becker's Dec. 13.
"Patients may continue to take advantage of the drop off area in front of the building and reserved parking spaces close to the building," the spokesperson said. "In addition, information on third-party transportation options will be shared with patients who need door-to-door assistance."
However, patients told the Star that the parking lot is large and fills up quickly, making it difficult for those with mobility issues to find a spot near the main entrance.
The health system, which reported $32 million in profit in 2022, still offers valet parking at its Indianapolis-based main campus and children's hospital, as well as its Bloomington hospital, according to the newspaper.