PARKING charges for patients and visitors at Basingstoke hospital are among the lowest in the country.

Amid national concern about the level of parking fees levied by hospitals, Basingstoke hospital has revealed that it pulls in £200,000 every year through its car parking charges.

But this places it well below the top earners, which make up to £1.5m and charge up to £55 for a 24-hour parking ticket.

Although the hospital management says all the car park profits are ploughed back into patient services, charities and patient groups still argue it is wrong to charge for parking at hospitals.

A statement released by Basingstoke hospital said: "North Hampshire Hospital has an external contractor who manages our car park.

"The trust earns approximately £200,000 a year and the money goes into the trust budget to support patient services.

"The last review showed that our car park charges were the lowest in the region."

However, Paul Morgan, fundraising manager for Macmillan Cancer Relief in Hampshire, said: "It's morally wrong that cancer patients should be charged to park their cars while they are receiving treatment.

"For many patients, public transport is not an option because of their levels of pain, fatigue and sickness, as well as the potential exposure to infection."

The Patients Association has also condemned the charging policy for hospital parking.

Parking charges

Basingstoke hospital: 0-2 hours - £1.60; 2-24 hours - £2.10; 5-day pass - £8; 7-day pass - £10

Frimley Park: 0-1 hour - £1; 1-2 hours - £2; 2-3 hours - £3; 3-4 hours - £3.50; over 4 hours - £5; 7-day pass - £10

Southampton General: 0-1 hour - £1.50; 1-3 hours - £3; 3-5 hours - £4; 5-6 hours - £4.50; up to 24 hours - £16

Royal Berkshire: 0-2 hours - £2

First published: Monday, April 10, 2006