Ms Jennifer JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS hospital trusts charge their patients for parking on hospital sites in the west midlands; and what is the scale of charges. [13690]
§ Mr. MilburnNational Health Service trusts are free to make their own decisions about whether charges for car parking should be made in the light of particular local circumstances. The information on exactly how many do is not collected by the Government.
The majority of NHS hospital trusts in the West Midlands Region charge users for car-parking on hospital sites. Of the few that do not, some are now looking carefully at and, in at least one case, consulting on this option. Charges are generally in the region of 50p to £1.00 per day; considerably less than standard car parks or parking meter fees.
Patients who are eligible, under the Hospital Travel Costs Scheme, to claim reimbursement of travelling expenses to and from hospital may also be able to have car parking charges reimbursed.