Parking charges at Craigavon Area Hospital and Daisy Hill Hospital have increased, with the first-hour rate rising from £1 to £1.50, a 50% increase. The Southern Health and Social Care Trust said the changes, dated November 9, bring charges in line with other hospitals in the region in response to inflation and to cover operational costs.

The cost for parking between one and two hours has risen from £1.80 to £2.40, an increase of 33.3%. A stay of two to three hours now costs £3, up from £2.60, a 15.4% rise.

Some longer stays will cost less under the revised tariff. Parking for three to four hours has fallen from £3.40 to £3, while the six-to-eight-hour charge has reduced from £5.60 to £5.40. Charges remain unchanged at £4 for four to five hours, £4.80 for five to six hours and £6.40 for eight to 24 hours. Time bands have also been adjusted.

The Trust said most parking at its hospitals remains free, with charges applying to car parks closer to the main hospital buildings. Exemptions continue for some patients and visitors, including patients with specific conditions who attend regularly during their treatment period, subject to eligibility criteria.