It is mandatory for NHS Trusts and Foundation Trusts to ensure that car parking facilities are available free at charge to disabled people, frequent outpatient attenders (people who attend appointments at least 3 times a month), parents of sick children staying overnight and staff working night shifts.
NHS car parking guidance also outlines actions that Trusts should implement where possible, includes that charges should be reasonable for the local area and that concessions should be available for visitors of relatives who are gravely ill or having extended periods of time in hospital (or carers of such people).
Whilst I cannot commit to the recommendations proposed by the Organise Network, I greatly sympathise with those who have experienced difficulties with car parking at local hospitals. Where the guidance is not being followed by Trusts, I am committed to ensuring these issues are addressed with local health leaders in my constituency.
It is also worth noting the new Labour Government has recently stated that it has no plans to abolish parking charges for NHS staff.