Hospital parking charges set to increase

For the first time since 2004 the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital is increasing charges in the visitor and patient car parks.

The changes are being made in line with the best practice hospital parking guidance set out by the Department of Health in October 2015. The new charges which come into effect on 4th November are: 30 minutes up to 2 hours – £3.00; Up to 3 hours – £3.50; Up to 4 hours – £4.50; Up to 5 hours – £6.50; Up to 8 hours – £8.00; 8 to 24 hours – £12.00.

A range of car park concessions are available for patients and visitors. These include 30 minutes free drop off, free parking for disabled patients and visitors, and for dialysis patients, and reduced charges for patients attending for cancer treatment. The hospital website carries full details of parking concessions.

The hospital site is well served by bus services and a park and ride service operating from Costessey Park and Ride which the hospital subsidises by £96,000 annually.

Richard Parker Chief Operating Officer said: “Having kept patient and visitor parking charges frozen for 12 years we are reluctantly increasing these charges. This is to help us make vital savings in areas which do not affect patient services. The increases we are having to make now, are in line both with other local NHS trusts and the Department of Health’s guidance.

“The Trust is facing a challenging financial position and we have had to make some tough decisions. We hope that our visitors and patients will understand why we are making these changes.

“Hospital car park charges at the NNUH go back directly into patient care, maintenance of the car parks and the Park and Ride service subsidy.”