Charity asserts hospital parking fee increases disadvantage patients

The Patients Association, a charity, has stated that increased hospital parking fees are unfairly affecting patients and their relatives. This statement follows reports indicating that a quarter of NHS trusts implemented higher charges during the two-year period ending March 2024. Data obtained through Freedom of Information (FOI) requests revealed that trusts such as Oxford University Hospitals, Royal Berkshire, and Hampshire Hospitals NHS were among those that increased their parking tariffs. The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) clarified that while individual trusts are responsible for these charges, they are required to be “reasonable and in line with the local area.” The hospital trusts involved have been asked for their response. Rachel Power, chief executive of the Patients Association, commented: “The ongoing cost-of-living crisis is already pushing many households to the brink, and these charges unfairly penalise people simply for being unwell and needing access to essential healthcare.” In England, hospital staff parking fees were suspended in July 2020 due to the pandemic; however, this temporary policy concluded on March 31, 2022. The DHSC reported at the time that this alteration had incurred costs of approximately £130 million over a two-year period. Saffron Cordery, interim chief executive of NHS Providers, stated: “NHS trusts – most of whom are under huge financial pressure – just couldn’t afford to maintain car parks without charging people to use them.” She added: “The last thing trusts want to do is have to divert money away from patient services.” Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust implemented higher tariffs for patients and visitors at John Radcliffe Hospital, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, and Churchill Hospital in August 2023. The Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust confirmed a 10% increase in 2023, explaining that this “was based on the fact that the patient tariff had not been increased for four years” and consequently, “10% was a fair increase based on inflation.” Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust revised its parking durations and associated charges starting December 2022, with an hourly tariff rising by 20p and a 24-hour charge increasing by six pounds. University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust also raised its charges: 20p for a one-hour stay, 40p for two to three hours, 50p for up to four hours, and £1 for stays exceeding six hours. University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust implemented price increases of 20p, 30p, and 40p, respectively. Ms Power stated: “”While parking fees continue to provide important revenue for hospitals during a period of significant financial strain, it is vital that any additional NHS funding is focused on improving patient care.” This article is copyrighted by BBC 2024. All rights are reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Further details on the BBC’s external linking policy are available.