In June 2010, West Suffolk Hospital was named as one of the best NHS hospital car parks in England by consumer champion Which? The hospital’s large number of priority spaces, comprehensive variety of payment methods and excellent patient communication helped it claim the top spot in the East of England.

There are car parks at the front and rear of the hospital. These are labelled A, B, C, D and E - see Site Map | for details

All patient and visitor parking is in the main front car park (A) with the exception of those attending Macmillan Unit and Renal Unit (see below).

The rear car parks are for staff only, who have access by permit and pay card.

Drop off points

Visitors unable to walk from the car parks may be set down at the front or rear entrance prior to the driver parking the car.

Drop-off points are also available at:

• Renal Dialysis Unit
• Rainbow (childrens) Out-patients
• Physiotherapy / Occupational Therapy entrance
• DSU and Eye Treatment Centre

Macmillan Unit and Renal Unit

A limited number of dedicated car parking bays are identified for Oncology (cancer) and Renal Dialysis patients, immediately adjacent to the two respective units.

Disabled Parking

Several parking areas are reserved for disabled drivers. There are 51 spaces located across the site - near the main entrance, the rear entrance and adjacent to the DSU/Eye Treatment Centre (see site map || ).

Disabled drivers must display their badge at all times and are exempt from parking charges.

These exemptions only apply to disabled drivers themselves.

If an able-bodied driver assists in bringing a disabled person to the hospital, the vehicle should be parked in car park A and the usual fee paid.

Parking charges

The following charges apply to all car parks, front or rear.

The following charges will be effective from 1st June 2011.

It may be helpful to bring the correct change with you.

Parking charge for visitors: 

Up to two hours: £3.30

Two to four hours: £4.80

Four to six hours: £7.60

Over six hours: £15.10

In addition, weekly and monthly permits can be purchased (for use in Car Park A only):

Weekly permit: £12.00

Monthly permit: £48.00

Wards and departments also have the ability to issue ad hoc permits in exceptional circumstances (minimum four hours payment).

Contractors working on site are also required to pay for four hours parking daily.

Exemptions and other arrangements:

Motorcyclists and bicyclists are exempt provided that they do not use up car parking spaces.

Suffolk Mental Health Partnerships delivery vehicles and contractor's vehicles on official business are exempt.

Voluntary Workers: The Voluntary Services Manager |is responsible for administering permits whilst officially working at the hospital.

The Head of Chaplaincy is also responsible for administering permits for chaplaincy volunteers.

On-Call Staff returning to site on official business outside normal working hours will be issued with on-call permits by their Head of Department/Senior Manager.

Special cases: Particular groups of people are eligible for a permit or refund of parking fees. These include, for example, members of the public who are receiving income support or family credit and patients and visitors who have to make frequent visits to the hospital. Visitors and patients should contact ward staff to see if they are eligible for a discount in these cases.

Fixed Penalty System

The current car park management company operates a Fixed Penalty system for non-compliance with the Trust's car parking policy. A fixed penalty notice can be given if a vehicle does not have a valid permit or daily ticket clearly displayed; for failing to park in an official parking space; for blocking emergency exits or emergency vehicle routes;or blocking authorised area e.g. on hatched roadways. The current fine is £40 (reduced to £15 if paid promptly).

 

Please note: there are no vehicle height restrictions in any of the car parks.