HOSPITALS in Hampshire have made more than £6 million in a year from parking fees with Southampton hospitals being among the six in the country to have raked in more than £3 million.

According to the data, patients and visitors who parked at hospitals in Winchester, Andover and Basingstoke brought a total of £1,698,974 into Hampshire Hospital NHS Foundation Trust’s pocket, with the trust also making £62,000 from staff.

In a statement the Patients Association said parking should be free.

“We believe that patients should not be effectively charged for being ill,” the association added.

Alex Whitfield, chief executive of Hampshire Hospitals, said free parking is available for some patients and visitors.

Those who receive benefits can also reclaim costs.