New guidance on who is eligible for free parking at Royal Preston Hospital

Entrance to Royal Preston Hospital Pic: Blog Preston

In April 2021, the government introduced new guidance on the provision of free car parking for certain groups of hospital patients and visitors.

This means that the following people are now eligible to receive free parking at Royal Preston Hospital:

Disabled people holding a valid Blue Badge.
Frequent outpatient attendees, defined as those who are required to attend hospital for an appointment at least three times within a month for at least three months.
Parents or guardians of sick children staying overnight in the hospital.

In addition to the above, and in line with existing concessionary parking arrangements, the Trust will continue to offer:

Free parking to patients with a life-long condition requiring two or more hospital visits per week (this mainly applies to our renal dialysis patients).
Family visitors to a gravely ill inpatient a concessionary parking fee of £2.50 per day.
Family visitors to a relative with an extended stay in hospital beyond 21 days a concessionary parking fee of £2.50 per day.

Patients, relatives or carers who are eligible for free or concessionary parking will firstly need to speak to the clinical staff on the ward, clinic, or department to complete a form.

Any completed and endorsed car parking concessions certificate application forms can then be taken to the General Office.

Therefore, concessions can only be issued, and expense claims made during the times listed below:

Monday- Thursday 9am-4.15pm
Friday 9am-4pm

The national NHS Healthcare Travel Cost Scheme (see www.nhs.uk) refunds reasonable travel costs of hospital patients if they or their partner are receiving a qualifying state benefit or allowance, or meet the eligibility criteria of the NHS Low Income Scheme.