Sharp increase in hospitals' parking charges

It’s going to be more expensive to park at Shrewsbury and Telford hospitals, who have published the new prices to use their car parks.

And from November 1, you will only get 20 minutes free parking to drop someone off, compared to the 30 minutes currently allowed.

The change will see it cost an extra 50p to park for two hours (£3), an extra pound to park for three hours (£4), an extra £2 to park for four hours (£5) and an extra £4.50 to park at either hospital for 24 hours (£8).

The Trust which runs the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital (RSH) and the Princess Royal Hospital (PRH) in Telford said it is moving to an hourly tariff to encourage better flow and increased availability for visitors, but will continue to offer the free drop off period, discounts for multiple visits and free parking for patients receiving dialysis, radiotherapy or chemotherapy and people visiting hospital for issues connected with bereavement.

It says the annual income the Trust receives from car parking pays for the equivalent of 40 Staff Nurses.

Julia Clarke, Director of Corporate Governance at SaTH, said: “This is the first change to car parking charges at SaTH in four years and we are still among the lowest in the country.

“Patients receiving dialysis, radiotherapy or chemotherapy and people visiting hospital for issues connected with bereavement are able to park for free. Anyone needing to attend hospital regularly can buy a discounted 10-visit ticket for £8. They should let the Ward or Department Manager know so they can help organise this.

“Patients on low income, who are in receipt of benefits, can also claim back the cost of their parking by requesting a receipt when paying at the machine. They can then take their receipt with proof of benefit and proof of their appointment, such as an appointment letter or card, to the cashiers’ office, where they will be reimbursed.”