Hospital car parking charges rise by more than 50%

Parking charges at hospitals in Shropshire have increased by more than 50% for visitors and patients staying for up to two hours.

People parking at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, Princess Royal Hospital in Telford and William Farr House for that amount of time will now have to pay £5.50 - up from £3.50 before.

One person told the BBC the move was "disgraceful" and said they feared patients could get fewer visitors.

The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH) said the increase had been brought in to pay to maintain, upgrade and run the car parks.

The changes will not affect blue badge holders and patients with certain conditions where regular visits are necessary will also be free.

Any excess money will be invested in frontline services, as well as alternatives like the free park and ride scheme, hospital bosses said.

A spokesperson said it was the first time charges had gone up since 2021 and was due to rising costs and essential upgrades.

Another person reacted by: "If you've got someone who is dreadfully sick [at the hospital] it's just dreadful to keep on paying that amount", while someone else called it a "rip-off".

Lynn Cawley, Chief Officer at Shropshire Healthwatch, an independent consumer organisation, said she understood why patients might be concerned but said support was available, including NHS low income schemes.

"If you know someone is going to be in hospital for more than three days, you can apply for a concession which is 10 visits for £8.50.

"It was really helpful for me and my family. The ward would need to sign to say that is the case and the car park attendant will help you manage the payment."

Concessions are also available for patients receiving renal dialysis or cancer treatment, people visiting the hospital for issues connected to bereavement or parents of sick children staying overnight.

The new charges are:

• Up to 20 mins Free
• Up to 1 hour £4.00
• Up to 2 hours £5.50
• Up to 3 hours £6.50
• Up to 4 hours £7.50
• 24 hours £9.50

Paula Gardner, interim chief nursing officer at the trust, added: "We have not taken this decision to increase parking charges lightly.

"We remain committed to providing the best experience for our patients and visitors."

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