IT has been revealed how much money Warrington and Halton Hospital made from parking charges last year.

Figures released from NHS England show the parking revenue, from patients and visitors, made by NHS trusts from across the country.

In 2022/2023, Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust made a whopping £862,092 in parking profits.

This is a 45.2 per cent increase on the year before in which the trust received a parking revenue of £593,546.

Responding to the rise in profits, a trust spokesperson confirmed that there has been no increase in parking charges for seven years, but there has been an increase in patients returning for face-to-face appointments.

A spokesperson said: “Our hospital sites are increasingly busy.

“During the year 2022/23 we saw an increase in patients returning for face-to-face appointments compared to the previous year post-pandemic.

“We have not increased car parking charges at the Trust in the last seven years.

Runcorn and Widnes World:

 

“We understand concerns about parking charges and the financial strain on those who need to attend our hospital sites frequently.

“We are committed to supporting free car parking where possible, with the first 30 minutes being free for everyone.

“We also offer free parking to a wide range of patients and visitors.

“This includes Blue Badge holders, people receiving cancer treatment, renal treatment, attending three or more outpatient appointments a month or attending Halton Urgent Treatment Centre.

“Free parking is also available for people visiting intensive care patients, end of life care patients, and for parents or guardians staying with children on our neonatal unit or children’s ward.

“Additional concessions are made for regular patients and visitors who need to attend the hospital over an extended period.”

The Warrington Guardian was also told that all parking profits are re-invested into services and that the trust is continuing to look at ways in which it can improve the experience of car parking across its side.

A spokesperson added: “2022/23 saw the introduction of electric vehicle charge points to improve facilities for our visitors and staff, and further improvements are being planned for the year ahead.”

At the Lovely Lane site in Warrington, the first 30 minutes are free.

But the standard parking charges are as follows:

Up to two hours - £2.50

Up to four hours - £3.50

Up to six hours - £5

Up to 24 hours - £6

Meanwhile, those parking for more than 24 hours can access a saver pass from the cash office.

At Halton Hospital, there are a range of concessions on parking charges.