NEW figures released by NHS Digital show that 139 hospital sites in England, 23 of which are in the North West, charge disabled patients and visitors for parking.
A total of 1,213 sites provided details as part of the annual Estates Return Information Collection, meaning that Blue Badge holders are charged for parking at 11.5% of all hospital sites.
It is a disgrace that Jeremy Hunt has done nothing to tackle parking charges for disabled people, despite acknowledging himself that they are unfair.
Disabled people often have no choice but to drive to hospital, and it’s wrong to target them with parking fees.
The truth is hospitals are being forced to introduce or increase parking charges because they are desperately short of cash.
This Government has caused a financial crisis in the NHS, and disabled people are paying the price.
Justin Madders, Shadow health minister and Ellesmere Port and Neston MP
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