Hospital bosses have announced an increase in parking charges at the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough and the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton.
Officials say the price changes, which will see most tariffs rise by 20p or 30p from Saturday 1 July 2023, are the first increase in parking costs at the NHS trust for more than three years.
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said charges are increasing to help meet rising maintenance costs at the trust including energy bills which have soared by £2.6millon this year and the price of paying off the construction of James Cook under its private finance initiative (PFI) which has risen by an extra £3.5million.
Money raised from parking charges is used to maintain and improve parking facilities, such as the recent introduction of electric vehicle charging points.
There are now four charging points for patients and visitors in the V3 car park at James Cook.
The trust continues to provide free car parking for:
- Blue badge holders – Blue badge holders should display their blue badge in their vehicle. Blue badge holders who park in a barriered car park can have their card validated for free at a reception desk.
- Frequent outpatient attenders – Patients who attend James Cook or the Friarage at least three times per month for a period of at least three consecutive months will receive free car parking. Please speak to the staff on the ward or department you are visiting for details.
- Parents of sick children staying overnight – Ward staff will ring security for those parents staying overnight with an ill child and the barrier will be lifted on their exit.
Special permits which offer reduced rates are also available to patients and visitors who regularly attend the hospital. Please speak to the staff on the ward or department you are visiting for details.
Director of estates, facilities and capital planning Philip Sturdy said: “We understand that any increase in cost can be a burden, and our parking team have done their best to hold down the increase to ensure parking charges remain as low as possible.
“This small increase is the first in over three years and is necessary to help meet the rising cost of maintaining our car parks and ensuring that patients and visitors can park safely and securely.”
The trust is also reminding drivers not to park on double red lines and pavements at its hospital sites as this obstructs emergency vehicles and wheelchair access.
Patients referred to hospital or other NHS premises for specialist NHS treatment or diagnostic tests by their doctor, dentist or another health professional, may be able to claim a refund of reasonable travel costs under the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme.
More details can be found at www.nhs.uk/nhsengland/healthcosts/pages/travelcosts.aspx
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