Countess of Chester Hospital revamps parking for visitors

The Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is rolling out new parking features to improve accessibility, convenience, and ease for patients and visitors.

Aimed at reducing queues and simplifying the parking process, the hospital has introduced a virtual payment system, expanded parking areas, and updated fees to make visiting the site smoother and more user-friendly.

With the new virtual payment system, visitors can now pay for parking online by scanning a QR code located around the hospital.

This system allows users to enter their vehicle registration and choose a payment option, either through Google, Apple, or a standard card payment, offering flexibility and reducing the need to wait at traditional payment machines.

However, physical pay stations will remain available for those who prefer them.

In its first major pricing change in nearly a decade, the hospital has adjusted parking fees to better match the average time visitors spend on-site.

Under the new structure, parking costs £3.50 for up to four hours, and visitors can park free for the first 30 minutes. These updates are designed to accommodate patients’ needs and reduce any additional stress surrounding parking costs.

Additional parking spaces, including more Blue Badge spaces, have been added to enhance accessibility for patients with disabilities and other visitors needing convenient access points across the hospital.

Karen Edge, The Trust’s Director of Finance, said:

“We are committed to making every aspect of our hospital experience as accessible, convenient and supportive as possible for our patients and visitors.

“Whilst we may not always get this right, we hope that with more accessible spaces, a simplified payment process and fairer pricing, we can remove any added stress around parking, allowing patients and visitors to focus on their visit.

“We remain focused on getting the balance right between our commitment to be a greener and more sustainable NHS hospital and ensuring car parking facilities that are suitable to the varying needs of our patients, visitors and staff,” she explained.

The hospital also encourages patients to allow extra time for parking, especially on Tuesdays and Thursdays, which are peak times for visits. As an alternative on busy days, visitors may wish to consider using the nearby Park and Ride service.

The Park and Ride, originating at Chester Zoo, offers a short bus ride that drops visitors directly outside the hospital on Liverpool Road.

Additionally, the hospital maintains special parking policies for individuals visiting end-of-life patients.

Visitors in these circumstances are advised to ask at the security desk by the main entrance to learn more about available options.