19/10/2003
Finding convenient and affordable parking when visiting or working at a hospital can often be a source of stress. This guide aims to provide comprehensive information regarding parking facilities, charges, and alternative transport options for Royal Blackburn Hospital, ensuring a smoother experience for all visitors, patients, and staff.
Understanding Blackburn Hospital Parking Fees
Royal Blackburn Hospital does indeed have parking charges for visitors. The East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust has implemented a clear pricing structure to manage its car parks. It's essential to be aware of these costs to avoid any unexpected expenses during your visit.
Parking Charges for Visitors:
The current parking tariffs are as follows:
| Duration | Charge |
|---|---|
| 0-3 hours | £2.80 |
| 3-8 hours | £4.60 |
| 8-24 hours | £6.90 |
These charges apply to the main visitor car parks.
Special Considerations for Blue Badge Holders
Recognising the needs of disabled visitors, Royal Blackburn Hospital offers designated disabled parking areas. These are conveniently located at the Main Hospital Reception, adjacent to the visitor's car park 'O'. Additionally, a limited number of spaces are available in car park 'J'.
Important Notice for Blue Badge Holders: Due to an increase in the misuse of the Blue Badge system, the holder of a valid Blue Badge must be present at the service desk. Your parking ticket will need to be validated here to be eligible for free parking.
Staff Visitor Parking
Individuals visiting staff for meetings or training sessions are permitted to use car park J. The process for entry and payment is similar to that for external visitors.
Entry and Payment for Car Park J (External Visitors & Staff Visitors):
- Upon arrival at the entry terminal, take a ticket.
- Payment is required upon leaving the car park. Insert your ticket into the exit terminal.
- Payment can be made using a credit/debit card by touching it on the wireless keypad.
- There is no cash payment method at the exit terminal. Those wishing to pay with cash must do so at the car park service desk located in the main hospital entrance.
The car parking office is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to assist with any queries.
Concessionary Parking Tickets
For those who need to visit the hospital frequently, East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust offers a concessionary car parking ticket. This initiative aims to provide some financial relief for regular visitors.
How to Qualify for a Concessionary Ticket:
- Obtain a concessionary parking form from the car parking office, situated in the main reception area.
- You need to provide receipts totalling a minimum of £18.90 (representing three consecutive days of parking at £6.30 per day).
- The completed form must be signed by a senior nurse on the ward the patient is staying in.
- Once validated, the car parking team will issue a ticket that allows for four separate occasions of parking access.
- This concessionary ticket is valid for seven days from the date it is first issued.
- After the ticket expires, you will need to pay for parking as usual and obtain new receipts to re-apply if necessary.
Extended Concessionary Pass:
If you have been visiting the hospital for eight consecutive weeks, you are entitled to a 60-day pass. This pass allows for unlimited parking during the 60-day period. A new form will need to be completed to apply for this pass.
Please Note: The concessionary ticket is only valid with receipts from the East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust and can only be used at the Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital. If a patient is discharged and then re-admitted, you will need to re-apply for the concessionary ticket.
Alternative Transport Options
While parking is available, considering alternative transport methods can be beneficial for the environment and potentially your wallet. Royal Blackburn Hospital is well-served by public transport.
Hospital Shuttle Service:
The East Lancashire Health Trust previously operated a hospital shuttle service. However, please be aware that the Hospital Shuttle Service will cease operation from 31st March 2025. A new commercially operated service is set to be introduced from 1st April 2025, with further details on times and routes to be announced.
Local Bus Services:
Several bus routes stop at the Royal Blackburn Hospital Bus Station within the hospital grounds. These include:
| Bus Number/Name | Route | Operator |
|---|---|---|
| 12A/12C | Higher Croft Circular | Blackburn Private Hire |
| 22 | Blackburn – Shadsworth | Transdev |
| 481 | Blackburn – Haslingden – Bury | Rosso |
| 33 | Darwen – Lower Darwen – Blackburn | Moving People |
| 59 | Preston – Blackburn – Oswaldtwistle – Accrington | Stagecoach |
| Hospital Shuttle Service (from 1st April 25) | Blackburn – RBH – Burnley – Burnley General | Moving People |
For the most up-to-date timetable information, you can access timetables from the main reception desk at the hospital or contact the service providers directly. The hospital shuttle bus, provided by East Lancashire Health Trust, offers a vital link between Royal Blackburn and Burnley hospitals.
Bus from Royal Blackburn to Burnley General Teaching Hospital:
Yes, there is a direct bus service operated by Moving People between Royal Blackburn and Burnley General Teaching Hospitals. For more information on this specific service, please refer to their provided details.
By Train:
The nearest train station is Blackburn Station, which is approximately 1.0 mile away from the hospital. Excellent bus connections are available from the transport interchange at the station to reach the hospital.
Hospital Location and Contact
Royal Blackburn Hospital Address:
East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, Haslingden Road, Blackburn, BB2 3HH.
For comprehensive travel services and information, you can contact Traveline.
Emergency Department Developments
Royal Blackburn Hospital is undergoing significant developments to enhance its emergency care services. A new two-storey extension is being constructed adjacent to the current Accident and Emergency (A&E) department. This project aims to provide additional clinical space, including 13 new 'majors' bays, and improved facilities for staff. The Trust is committed to improving patient experience and ensuring safe, personal, and effective care, with the new Acute Medical Unit already showing benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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