PATIENTS and visitors at Salisbury District Hospital are set to pay more to park from today (19 May), as the NHS trust announces its first parking price rise in nearly a decade.
The increase – the first review of parking tariffs since 2018 – comes amid rising costs and financial pressures, with Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust citing inflation and the expense of maintaining parking systems across the hospital site.
The move is likely to spark frustration among many patients and families already facing regular hospital visits, particularly during the ongoing cost of living pressures.
However, hospital bosses say the decision was unavoidable and insist new technology will at least make charges fairer, allowing people to pay by the hour rather than in fixed time blocks.
Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust managing director Nick Johnson said: “I recognise that this is a difficult decision and it is not one that has been taken lightly.
“However, the trust’s current financial position and the need to achieve greater financial sustainability, while minimising the impact of savings measures in other areas, have led to this decision.
“There are a number of discounts and exemptions available for those on lower incomes, and those who need to make regular trips to the hospital.
“There is no charge for parents of children staying overnight, oncology patients, patients admitted via the Emergency Department or those visiting someone at end of life plus blue badge holders and motorcycles. I encourage patients and visitors to visit our website for further information.”
The trust said it compared charges with nearby hospitals, including Southampton and Bath, before deciding on the increase.
Parking remains under the control of Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust, with private operator APCOA responsible for the technology and enforcement. The trust says money raised through parking charges is reinvested into patient services.
Some visitors will still qualify for exemptions or discounted parking, including families of seriously ill patients and people making frequent trips to hospital.
More information on exemptions and discounts is available on the hospital website.
Nick Johnson’s commute not quite correct. If you need to visit several different departments across a week then the frequency is not identified and you pay each time. The department you are visiting will need to authorise free parking but for them you may only visit once a week. I needed to attend the hospital three times in four days recently. The different departments and no concession.
The staff are great and I am thankful for the care. However, that comment is more for the press release than being completely true.
The money the government put into illegal Immigrants, should be put in to hospitals, I don’t mind paying for parking, but trying to find a parking space is a nightmare.
I don’t mind paying for parking, but trying to find a parking space is a nightmare.
Having Patients pay car parking for urgent Hospital treatment is nothing short of obscene – the small spaces are ridiculous even , if you can get one , , and waste a lot of time waiting , that’s charged .