Chesterfield Royal Hospital to increase car parking and catering charges
Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is to increase some catering and car parking charges as part of its wider financial recovery programme.
The Trust said that from 24 August, catering prices will rise by around 10-15% across the hospital, while car parking charges for staff, patients, visitors and partners are expected to increase from 24 September, subject to completion of required system changes.
The Trust says it is the first time charges have increased in three years for food and drink and that benchmarking shows its current prices remain comparatively low against neighbouring NHS trusts.
Dr Hal Spencer, Chief Executive at Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We know that any increase in costs matters to our colleagues, patients and visitors, and we have not taken these decisions lightly.
"Like every NHS organisation, we are facing significant financial pressures and have to look at every opportunity to reduce costs and increase income while protecting frontline patient care and jobs wherever possible.
"We have tried to keep these increases proportionate, retain affordable food choices and protect parking concessions for those who need them most."
For patients and visitors, the maximum daily parking charge will rise from £8.90 to £9.30, while the free drop-off period will reduce from 30 minutes to 15 minutes. A five-day visitor pass costing £30 will also be introduced.
Mandatory national parking concessions will continue, including free parking for eligible disabled patients and visitors, frequent outpatient attenders and parents or guardians of children staying overnight.
The Trust says catering will have affordable options in place including a £1 soup and roll offer which will remain and the price of fruit and vegetable prices will not increase. There are also lower-cost meal choices available for all and staff discounts remaining.
Dr Spencer added: "There is no single solution to the financial challenge we face. These changes are one part of hundreds of actions being taken across the organisation.
"Our priority remains clear: Protect patient care, protect jobs where possible and build a stronger, more financially sustainable future for Chesterfield Royal Hospital."
Last month the Royal revealed it had appointed a Turnaround Director – as the hospital looks to make £27.4 million savings this year.