HOSPITALS are making millions of pounds through car park charges from patients, NHS staff and people visiting loved ones.

New figures revealed Basildon and Thurrock Hospital received more than £2million from visitors and more than half a million pounds for staff car parking charges.

Echo:

Basildon Hospital

While at Southend Hospital visitors forked out more than £1.5million in parking charges from visitors, compared to £150,799 for staff charges in 2018/19.

A spokesman for Basildon Hospital said: “Our hospitals offer a range of concessionary parking rates to assist patients, relatives and carers who visit our hospitals regularly, and for blue badge holders.

“‘Priority group’ patients receive free parking; this is all outlined in our car parking policy.

“The income we receive from car park fees is used for the running and maintenance of the car parks.

“Any remaining funds goes towards patient care and services.”

While Southend Hospital insisted any excess funds are reinvested into the car parks.

A car parking spokesman for Southend Hospital said: “Thirty minutes’ free parking is available for all visitors at Southend University Hospital, and for those patients and visitors who need to attend regularly for certain treatments we also have concession tickets allowing seven days’ reduced cost parking.

“Staff have subsidised parking, and a travel plan coordinator advises on alternative transport.

“Any surplus from patient, visitor and staff parking is reinvested into ensuring our parking areas and roads are safe, well-lit and well-maintained.”

Data shows no money was taken for the Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust for car parking.

The most lucrative car parking trust is the University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust receiving £4,155,560 for visitor’s charging and £1,837,289 for staff.

The data was collected by The Estates Returns Information Collection service.