DISABLED patients at Heatherwood Hospital will soon have to pay for their parking.

Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust has revealed plans to standardise parking charges for all drivers at its three hospitals.

From November 27 disabled drivers parking at Wexham Park, Heatherwood and Frimley Park will have to pay. 

A Trust spokesperson said: "This was a very difficult decision for the trust’s board of directors, but it was taken on the principle that charges should be based on affordability for all patients, including blue badge holders. A number of other hospital trusts have also taken this decision.

"Any patients, including blue badge holders, who are entitled to free parking through low income or benefits will still be able to reclaim the cost of parking, and the process for doing this will be made clear. Providing the best possible access for blue badge drivers will be our priority.

"We know the changes will not be welcomed by all, but we do feel that on balance the new system will be fairer and the introduction of the discounted ticket for frequent attendees will be a helpful concession."

Discounted weekly and monthly tickets will also be introduced, costing £15 and £50 respectively.

Since the three hospitals came under one Trust in October 2014, tariffs for staff and for the public have been standardised across the three sites.

There will be no ticket price increase on November 27.

The spokesperson continued: "We believe this will make a considerable saving for people who need to attend for frequent treatment or those visiting loved ones who are experiencing a lengthy stay.

"Both tickets will be transferable across our hospital sites.

"Over the past three years the trust has spent millions of pounds improving parking facilities, including access for disabled drivers.

"As we only receive funding for the clinical services we provide, it is important that the running costs of our car parks do not encroach upon patient services."