Northwick Park Hospital raised the second highest revenue in the country through its parking charges, according to new figures.

NHS chiefs have come under fire after data obtained through a Freedom of Information request revealed the hospital in Watford Road, Sudbury, racked in £1,847,851 in the last year.

John Radcliffe Hospital on Oxford raised the highest amount with their parking tills clocking up £1,880,961.

NPH has been criticised in the past for its parking charges which start at £2.50 for the first hour to £12.20 for 24 hours.

Patients and visitors can also buy a five-day pass costing £22.50 or a week for £28.50.

Sarah Cox, a health campaigner from Harlesden, called the charges ‘disgusting’.

She said: “For people to have to worry about parking charges while going through difficulties like seeking hospital treatment or visiting a friend or family is wrong.

“The charges should be free or at the very least much lower.

“It’s disgusting.”

Alison Hopkins, a former Lib Dem councillor in Brent, told the Times she had spent hundreds of pounds on hospital parking charges in the last year.

She said: “Parking charges are a real problem. For many people public transport isn’t feasible.

“I can see why hospitals charge to dissuade “casual” visitors or commuters, but when you’re a patient and/or a carer it’s a bit much.

“There ought to be real concessions for patients with serious illnesses and their carers.”

Nigel Myhill, director of estates and facilities at London North West Healthcare, which runs NHP, said: “It should be remembered that we can not use money allocated for frontline healthcare services to pay for parking facilities. The tariffs are agreed with APCOA, the private company that runs the carparks on our behalf. They are aligned to those of neighbouring hospitals and the revenue funded the construction of a much needed multi-storey car park on the site, giving our visitors access to essential additional spaces.”

“We understand that parking charges are unpopular and we offer a range of concessions to make it easier for our patients and visitors. Discounted passes are available for patients and families who need to visit our hospitals for long periods.”