Car parking charges to increase at West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds

Car parking charges for patients, visitors and staff at West Suffolk Hospital are to set to increase.

All parking charges at the Bury St Edmunds hospital will increase from Monday, June 3 by 4.2 per cent in line with the current Consumer Price Index (CPI).

The tariffs have remained the same since April 1, 2019.

Up to one hour will rise from £2.20 to £2.30, one to two hours from £4.20 to £4.40, two to three hours from £6.40 to £6.70 and three to four hours from £8.40 to £8.80.

Meanwhile, four to five hours will increase from £10.60 to £11.10, five to six hours from £12.70 to £13.20 and over six hours from £12.70 to £13.20.

Charging increases will also be applied to staff tariffs moving from a flat fee of £2 to £2.10 per day.

Annual increases going forward will be in line with CPI.

Craig Black, executive director of resources for West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Regrettably the trust has taken the tough decision to increase car parking charges in line with CPI.

“We are always mindful of the impact any increase in charging has on our staff, patients, and visitors.

“We offer free parking and concessionary rates for the individuals and families in greatest need because we understand how difficult it can be when you or a loved one are unwell.

“Please be reassured that any surplus income the trust makes from car parking is reinvested into patient care and services after regular expenses are deducted.

“This includes car parking management fees and investment in a park and ride shuttle bus service for staff from an offsite parking location in Bury St Edmunds through to the West Suffolk Hospital site.”

While the charges remained static, several additional concessions were introduced including free parking for holders of a valid blue badge, for oncology outpatients attending the Macmillan Unit, parents with babies in the Neonatal Unit and regular outpatient visitors (three or more visits per month for at least three months).

Additional concessions have also recently been agreed to include free parking for the families of end-of-life patients.

Twenty minutes at the front of the hospital and 30 minutes at the back will remain free of charge.