Exeter's RD&E hospital is defending its income from car parking charges .... after the revelation that it made more than 1.6 million pounds last year.
With some hospitals bringing in more than three million pounds from their car parks, Exeter's is in a much lower league.
But the Patients' Association has criticised the whole principle of charging for parking at hospital - pointing out that in Wales and Scotland it's mainly free.
The RD&E says the parking income is reinvested directly into patient care - and also helps subsidise the Park and Ride bus service used by patients, visitors and staff.
The hospital also says it offers free parking to Blue Badge holders, some patients coming for regular treatments, and - in some cases - families or carers of long-stay patients.
Ancient tree fossil unearthed in Devon
Women punched and glassed in street attack
Backing for Exeter ‘school streets’ safety projects
Grass roots music may play bigger part in Summer Sessions
Tributes paid to two young men killed in Okehampton crash
Newton Abbot homes scheme beaten by bats
