Healthcare workers at the Isle of Wight's hospital have labelled "disproportionate" increases in parking costs "insulting" and a "kick in the teeth".

New charges at St Mary's Hospital mean the yearly cost of a parking permit for some staff has more than doubled, or in some cases, even tripled.

Blaming inflation, the Isle of Wight NHS Trust said the price hikes are based on staff salaries and are "now aligned with other NHS trusts."

One "outraged" NHS employee told the County Press: "We go to work to save lives. To have to pay to park is bad enough but these new charges are outrageous."

While another staff member said the increases "effectively cancel out" the 5.5 per cent pay rise recently given to nurses.

St Mary's Hospital They added the hikes were particularly "insulting" given they are not even guaranteed a space and are already being forced to park on grass banks, at the risk of getting a fine, due to a lack of availability.

Costs of permits at the hospital are decided by salary bracket and were last updated in April 2022.

The way it is calculated means staff on £25,000 are having to pay the same as someone earning £42,000.

Previously, those being paid up to £24,882 annually were being charged £96 per year. That will now increase to £120.

Meanwhile, staff on £25,000 to £42,000 per year will now have to pay £216 a year - an 80 per cent rise from £120.

For workers earning between £42,000 to £45,000, yearly payments have tripled from £120 to £360. 

Anyone earning between £63,862 and £80,000 will also have to pay £360 - up from £168.

And staff getting more than £80,000 a year will have to pay £480 a year, whereas before they were paying £168. 

St Mary's Hospital (Image: IWCP) One staff member said: "These charges are a disproportionate increase when compared to inflation and considering the recruitment crisis our hospital faces, is not a good way to attract or retain the staff it has."

A spokesperson for the Isle of Wight NHS Trust said: “Inflation has had a significant impact on costs of car parking management, maintenance costs and the need to continue to invest in car parking provision improvements that will support staff, patient and visitor safety. 

"Unfortunately, this means that we must increase charges to keep pace with these changes.

"There are a number of concessionary rates and financial help is available for staff if needed.”