Angry visitors have accused authorities of profiting from sick patients, following a massive price hike in parking charges at one of the area's main hospitals.

Following the introduction of a new pricing system, the cost of parking in Wexham Park Hospital's car parks has jumped by 100 per cent for up to two hours, leaving patients and visitors feeling out of pocket.

Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust brought in the charges from Friday, June 24, to match the costs at the trust's other sites, but visitors feel the increase was too expensive.

Kate Woods, from Chalfont St Peter in Bucks, was visiting with her husband John. She said: "I think if you just pop in for an appointment it is fine as long as you can find a space quickly, however if you have somebody who is in and out you will be spending a lot - not everyone can afford it.

"It is expensive but it is not just this hospital - Royal Berkshire, Wycombe and Stoke Mandeville all charge.

"I feel it is profiting off of ill people and parking fees have gone up and up."

The first 20 minutes of parking remains free, but the cost has risen from £1.50 to £3 for up to two hours.

It costs £5 to park for two to three hours, £5.50 for three to four hours, £6.50 for four to five hours and £8 for over five hours.

Mohammed Mehrban, from Langley, takes his granddaughter to the hospital once or twice a week as she is asthmatic. He said: "It is ridiculous. I come to the hospital one or two times a week and it used to be £1 for two hours.

"I feel that there should be parking charges, but not £3."

A spokesman for Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust said: "I can tell you that we are spending around £2m on our project to improve parking facilities for visitors and staff at Wexham Park Hospital, significantly more than is generated in revenue each year."

The number of visitor spaces will be increased from 402 to 622 and there are currently 562 visitor spaces in use.