DUDLEY Council is demanding an urgent review of parking charges at borough hospitals after accusing health chiefs of “profiteering”.

At a meeting on Monday April 27, the full council approved a motion calling on Dudley Group of Hospitals NHS Trust to examine their charges and look at other trusts around the UK which have reduced or removed parking fees.

The proposal, from Dudley Wood councillor Bryan Cotterill, says charges at Russells Hall, Corbett and The Guest hospitals place additional financial burdens on visitors and people attending for treatment.

Cllr Cotterill said: “What we have got in three hospitals is a big money-making machine taking money off the most vulnerable and needy in society.

“I find it distasteful, it is totally unacceptable that people have to park somewhere else to save parking charges on the hospital site.

“They are taking money off people on disability benefits, many think twice about going, people are putting that before their health.”

Charges at the hospitals are £1.10 up to one hour, £2.20 up to two hours and £3.50 for over two hours and up to 24 hours.

Cllr Cotterill says he has decided to call for changes after hearing from people who have spent hundreds of pounds on parking during visits to hospitals.

Paul Farenden, chief executive of Dudley Group of Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “Car parking charges are continually reviewed at all of the Trust’s three sites to ensure they are kept as low as possible in the interests of patients and visitors.

“The charges are amongst the most favourable in the region compared to other trusts and charges have not increased since 2007.

“A Value Card scheme which offers reducing parking charges for peoplewho need to frequently visit the three sites is also available.

“The charges are agreed by the three PFI partners, The Dudley Group of Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Interserve and Summit Healthcare, and there are no plans to make any changes to the current arrangements.”

Dudley cabinet member for transport, cllr Angus Adams, slammed the charges and says a flat rate fee of 50 pence would be enough to operate the car parks and pay for maintenance.

Cllr Adams said:“This is PFI –profiteering from illness – it’s a disgrace.”