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Car parking

From Monday, 26 January 2026, the car parking payment system at the West Suffolk Hospital (WSH) is changing to a completely barrierless system.

This will provide patients, staff and visitors with less congestion on site, more flexible options for payment, and a more modern car parking system.
Find out more about the new car parking payment system.

This page explains parking options at West Suffolk Hospital, including where to park, charges, and how to pay.

On this page

Contact the parking team

If you need help or have a question about parking, you can contact us:

Parking locations

West Suffolk Hospital provides designated car parks for patients, visitors, and staff.

  • Car Park A – located at the front of the hospital, this is the main car park for patients and visitors.
  • Car Park D – situated towards the rear of the site, this car park serves those visiting the Macmillan Unit, Day Surgery Unit, Eye Treatment Centre, and other departments.

Disabled parking

Parking for blue badge holders is free of charge when a valid blue badge is displayed. There are a number of designated parking spaces reserved for registered disabled drivers displaying a valid blue badge permit.

There are clearly signed bays for blue badge holders across the site, to enable disabled drivers to park closer to the part of the hospital they are visiting. A blue badge should be displayed in the vehicle at all times.

In order to validate free parking, blue badge holders are no longer required to visit the car parking office. They simply need to drive straight to the barriers with their blue badge clearly visible on the dashboard, and speak to the car parking team via the intercom where they will verify the blue badge using the exit cameras.

Car parking rates

The hospital uses a number plate recognition system for seamless entry and exit, eliminating the need for chip coins.

  1. Entry: vehicles are logged upon entry via automated cameras.
  2. Payment: before leaving, visitors must use on-site pay stations and enter their vehicle registration. Payment options include cash or card
  3. Exit: the barrier will automatically open once payment has been confirmed.

Drop-off points

Drop-off points are available near:

  • The rear entrance
  • The Day Surgery Unit / Eye Treatment Centre
  • The Renal Dialysis Unit and Macmillan Unit

Free drop-off periods

  • Front car park (Car Park A): 20 minutes free
  • Rear car park: 30 minutes free

Parking charge notices

A parking charge notice of £60 (reduced to £30 if promptly paid) may be issued for; parking without a valid blue badge or permit, parking outside designated areas, or obstructing emergency routes or unauthorised areas.

Travel refunds

Patients with low income may be eligible for assistance with their travelling arrangements in accordance with the NHS Travel Expenses Reimbursement Scheme. If eligible, the Trust will reimburse the cost of up to two hours’ parking and a nominated rate per mile for a return journey to the hospital. Please enquire at the general office by calling 01284 713168.