Health chiefs are considering charging to park outside the hospital.

A spokesperson for Manx Care said: ‘The introduction of parking charges at Noble’s Hospital is one of a range of measures under consideration by Manx Care as part of its cost improvement programme.’

The topic was raised in the House of Keys this week by Arbory, Castletown and Malew MHK Jason Moorhouse, who asked Lawrie Hooper, Minister for Health and Social Care, about when the introduction of a fee for parking at the hospital was last discussed. 

Mr Hooper replied: ‘I have not talked to Manx Care about this since my reappointment.'

Mr Moorhouse reported concerns from his constituents about the potential of having to pay a fee at the car park at Noble’s Hospital.

At the moment there is no fee, but the idea was last considered October 21, and the current Minister for Health and Social Care was open to the idea.

A Manx Care spokesperson said: ‘It has been discussed a number of times, most recently with the previous minister for health and social care in October.

‘It will continue to be a subject of discussion as Manx Care develops detailed proposals and costings under the auspices of the Cost Improvement Programme.’

Manx Care says that the proposal will only relate to charges for visitor parking spaces.

The spokesperson said: ‘Charges for staff parking do not, and have never, formed part of the proposal.’

Mr Moorhouse said: ‘In the past, health ministers have been reluctant to do it, however, the current minister Lawrie Hooper seems open to the idea.

‘It is quite concerning, but I guess we just have to wait to see if Manx Care puts forward a proposal.’

In the UK, it’s very unusual not to have to pay for parking outside hospitals.

For example, daily parking at St Mary’s Hospital in the Isle of Wight ranges from £1.40 for up to two hours to £6.50 for the day, with tickets being bought at the pay-and-display machines or by phone.

For long-stay patients and people with regular appointments at the outpatients department, concessions are available.

At the Aintree University Hospital in Liverpool, where many Manx people are treated, visitors who stay for less than 30 minutes have free parking.

Up to an hour and a half it’s £3.

To park for more than three-and-a-half hours costs £5.50.