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<p>The NHS Car Parking Guidance is clear that charges, where they exist, should be
reasonable for the area.</p><p>The Government has delivered on its commitment to ensure
that free car parking is provided for those with greatest need. To begin with, the
guidance includes disabled people who are holders of a valid Blue Badge attending
hospital as a patient or visitor or otherwise employed by the hospital trust. Disabled
patients and visitors receive free parking for the duration of their attendance at,
or visit to, the hospital. Disabled employees receive free parking while at the hospital
for purposes relating to their employment.</p><p>It also includes frequent outpatient
attenders where parking will be provided free to all outpatients who attend hospital
for an appointment at least three times within a month and for an overall period of
at least three months. A ‘month’ is defined as a period of 30 days.</p><p>Additionally,
it encompasses the parents of sick children staying overnight. The parent of a child
in hospital overnight is a parent or guardian of a child or young person, under 18
years old, who is admitted as an inpatient at hospital overnight. They receive free
parking between the hours of 7.30pm and 8.00am while visiting the child. This would
apply to a maximum of two vehicles.</p><p>Lastly, the policy also caters for staff
working night shifts who are members of staff with a shift starting after 7.30pm and
ending before 8.00am. They receive free parking for the duration of their shift.</p><p>All
National Health Service trusts that charge for hospital car parking have implemented
this policy.</p>
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