"Parking Charges"

Dear Anonymous

Hello my name is Samantha, I am really sorry that it has been necessary for you to raise your concerns with regard to blue badge parking permits. I would like to explain that over recent years the number of people misusing disabled parking bays has continued to increase leading to many people with blue badges unable to park in accessible designated bays. To ensure we can provide the best possible access for blue badge holders whilst making sure it is a fair payment structure for all users, the Trust has taken the difficult decision to introduce charges for these bays in line with the wider car park.

These charges have been supported by guidance issued by the NHS Confederation.

We also continue to have some of the lowest priced parking charges within the NHS and any surplus is reinvested back into providing a safe and secure environment for patients, staff and visitors to the hospital.

We do however offer a number of concessions to visitors and patients who are at the hospital for lengthy periods or have regular visits and appointments.

The Trust has 88 parking bays for blue badge holders across the site of which there are 47 of these free for blue badge holders as the new charges only apply to those spaces in the main car park. Please see a map of these locations below. The Trust has also now introduced the first 30 minutes of parking free of charge for all car park users. All our parking charges are displayed on our website and our colleagues have been carrying out additional patrols of our car parks to advise of the changes and assist visitors and patients. These changes are already showing to benefit blue badge holders as the changes mean they are more likely to be able to find a space when needed.

With best wishes