Car parking charges for visitors and patients will be re-introduced at Walsall Manor Hospital from Thursday 1 October 2020 now that Government financial support has ended.

Charges were waived during the Covid-19 pandemic – shortly after the national lockdown back in March this year – with the Department of Health and Social Care providing funding to NHS trusts to cover lost revenue.

This financial support has now come to an end and trusts across the country have been reintroducing charges over the last few weeks.

Richard Beeken, Chief Executive of Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, said: “We appreciate this will not be a popular decision among our patients and visitors but the Government was very clear that its financial support to NHS trusts would not be able to continue indefinitely.

“What I would say is that we are holding many more phone and video consultations, where appropriate, so fewer patients are having to travel and incur charges. This is also having an effect on our clinics meaning those for whom a face to face appointment is necessary are having shorter waits and report a more efficient service.

“Those entitled to concessions due to their condition or specific circumstances will not have to pay to park.”

Automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) was introduced last year and Richard added that additional payment machines were being installed to avoid lengthy queues and ensure social distancing can be maintained. Free ten minute drop-off points also remain.

The charges cover the cost of maintaining the hospital’s car parks and can be found here