Lancashire Patients Outraged as Hospital Parking Fees Double
Patients in Lancashire were shocked to discover that parking fees at the Royal Preston and South Ribble Hospitals had doubled overnight.
Deborah Stone, from Bamber Bridge, attended a dental appointment at the hospital and was angry when she was told to cough up £3 for less than an hour; the charge had previously been £1.50. Ms Stone said that the parking was a “complete rip-off” and claimed that it was cheaper to park in the centre of town.
In the past, profits made from parking charges was reinvested in parking facilities, however, bosses have confirmed that additional income from the increased charges will be reinvested in patient care and services.
Laura Molloy and John Harper have to visit the hospital on a regular basis with their daughter Phoebe, who was born premature and suffers from chronic lung disease. Laura said that the parking charges will have a massive impact on the couple and stated that it was simply not affordable for most people, as they have no option but to use the car park.
Miles Timperley, from Lancashire Teaching Hospitals, said that this was the first increase in charges since 2004 and added that parking fees will be waived for disabled patients, those who require long-term care, parents of neo-natal patients, patients on dialysis and those in the critical care unit.
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