New Parking Tariffs at Devon Hospitals
Parking charges at Devon hospitals have been reviewed so that the public and patients pay the same amount at paying sites across the county.
Hospitals implementing the changes are University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust (UHP), and Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (RDUH) Exeter and Barnstaple.
The standardised tariff will continue to offer the first 15 minutes of parking for free. Two hours parking will be £2.70, 3 hours will be £3.90, 4 hours £4.80, 5 hours £6.50, 6 hours £8.50 and 7 to 24 hours will be £15.
John Stephens, Director of Estates and Facilities at University Hospitals Plymouth said: “We have worked together across Devon hospitals to bring the cost of parking in line so that charges are the same for visitors and patients in all areas.
“Trusts also continue to provide free parking for those with greatest need such as disabled people, frequent outpatient attendees, parents of sick children staying overnight and visitors of relatives who are gravely ill or have an extended stay in hospital.
“This is the first time we have increased the cost of parking since 2015. We’ve also made improvements to public parking, meaning that if you come to Derriford now, you shouldn’t have to queue to get a space. We commit to maintaining the overall number of patient spaces on our site, even as we build new facilities.
“Our rates are less than public car parks in Plymouth city centre and we continue to work closely with bus companies on routes to Derriford as a major travel hub. There are also three park and ride sites serving the hospital at The George, Coypool and Milehouse.
“We understand that paying for parking is difficult for some people and there are exemptions for certain groups of visitors published on our website . We urge you to check this as you may be entitled to claim back parking and travel expenses if you receive certain benefits.
Changes to parking will be implemented from 12 August 2024.
Free parking is available for:
· Blue badge holders.
· Trust volunteers.
· R esident parents of children in hospital or parents whose babies are being cared for in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
· Relatives of patients who are critically ill. The Intensive Care Unit will contact the Parking Desk.
· Oncology patients attending for treatment.
· Relatives of patients being cared for on the End-of-Life Care Pathway.
· Those who are visiting the bereavement office or collecting a death certificate.
· Members of the public donating blood if parked in the dedicated spaces in the multistorey car park (visit the Plymouth Blood Donor Centre website for more information).
· All patients who are undergoing a course of treatment who are required to attend the hospital for at least 3 days a week (Must supply an appointment card or letter).
· Some patients in receipt of certain state benefits may be entitled to a refund of their parking costs and travel expenses. Learn more
· Free car parking is available for carers who have agreed to contribute to the care of the patient (cared for person) whilst in hospital and should be offered by the ward manager or deputy as part of the agreement with the carer. One car parking pass per day is available per patient, which can be shared between carers. The Carers Card must be shown to the Parking Desk on level 6 to obtain free car parking.
Please note, you will need show proof of benefits at each visit to re-claim fares. For further information please visit the Cashier’s Office on level 7 of Derriford Hospital or telephone 01752 439805.
Derriford shuttle bus
We have a free shuttle bus service available for patients and their carers that need additional help getting around the Derriford Hospital site.
Available 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
To use the service:
- Park in any disabled or standard car parking space, as applicable.
- Call the parking desk on 01752 432000 or 07827 897431 giving your location.
- The driver will collect you and drive you to wherever you need to go within the Derriford site.
- After your appointment or visit is over, call again. You will be collected and returned to your parked vehicle. Alternatively, go to the parking desk, by the main entrance, who will call the bus for you.
