END SCANDAL OF RIP-OFF HOSPITAL PARKING CHARGES

'Hospital parking charges should be abolished ...nobody goes there just for fun

- Katie Harris

RIP-OFF hospital car parking fees must be banned, campaigners are demanding, after visitors patients, and staff paid out nearly £200million in a single year.

Data from NHS England shows the total taken from patients and visitors soared by 50% to £145.9million in 2022/23. The bill for hospital staff shot up eight-fold to £46.7million.

Dennis Reed, director of the Silver Voices campaign group for the over 60s, said: "Hospital parking charges should be abolished.

"Nobody goes to hospital for the fun of it or to have a cup of coffee.

Everyone is either a patient, a visitor for a patient or an NHS worker.

"There are only a limited number of exceptions to these charges at the moment - such as blue badge holders or parents staying overnight with their ill children.

"It is sickening that the NHS is being forced to use essential parking as a money-raiser, a hidden charge for the use of the NHS.

"Many hospitals are not easy to get to by public transport, particularly if your mobility is hampered by your medical condition. And sky-high hospital parking charges charges are another disincentive from seeking medical help when you know you might have to wait for hours in A&E." the Caroline Abrahams, Age UK charity director, warned charges are a further blow during the cost-of-living crisis.

She said: "Unfortunately, being confronted by a hefty car parking fee when you visit a loved one in hospital or attend an appointment simply ups the financial pressure on people who are already struggling with the high cost of living.