CAR parking charges are coming back at St Mary’s Hospital.

The Isle of Wight NHS Trust has said it is reintroducing car parking charges for patients and visitors from Wednesday, June 1. Parking charges for staff only spaces will resume on Friday, July 1.

To help with the response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the UK Government supported NHS trusts by providing funding for free parking for staff, patients and visitors. This funding has now ended.

Joe Smyth, chief operating officer and director of estates said: “We are pleased that free parking was made available for the first two years of the pandemic, as a small way to make a difference for those using our services.

“Charges are being reintroduced to support the security service and maintenance of our car parks.

"However, we will continue to have concessions in place for frequent users of the hospital and other healthcare locations on the St Mary’s site, including regular visitors being able to park for free if their loved one is in our care for over four weeks.”

Car parking charges will remain at 2020 prices.

Daily parking at the St Mary’s Hospital site ranges from £1.40 for up to two hours to £6.50 for the day, with tickets being purchased at the pay-and-display machines or by phone.

For long stay patients and people with regular appointments at the outpatients department, concessions are available.

Buses 1, 51 and 57 stop on Parkhurst Road outside St Mary’s Hospital and bike storage is also available.

Trust volunteers will continue to be issued free parking permits.

More information can be found by clicking here