ey On-Site Parking at QEHB
Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB) is just off the A38. On site parking features less prominently than during most visits. The hospital has a number of car parks, each with its benefits and foibles. Knowing which car park is best can save you time and frustration, particularly during peak periods.
The site has a 10-metre drive-through height restriction, clear all at entry. Paying is easy! We accept Maestro and other cards. The car parks are well lit, clean and feature CCTV for your peace of mind.
1. Car Park A: The Lowdown
Car Park A is a big favourite for the straightforward design and clear signage. It’s just a stone’s throw from the main entrance, so is a good choice for those with limited time (or mobility concerns).
There’s loads of spaces, but it does get full fast at rush hour. There’s a height limit of 10m, which is fine for most cars and small vans. Lighting and CCTV enhance security, as does a tidy maintenance team.
2. Car Park D: What to Expect
Car Park D is a little further from the main doors but is convenient for outpatient departments. It is usually quieter, and the normal parking rate applies.
Payments are simple – pay by Maestro or cash, and machines are nearby. This car park is good for longer visits (ie patient appointments).
3. Which Car Park Suits You Best?
Car Park A is ideal for shorter visits and proximity to the main entrance. Car Park D is preferable for longer stops or if you fancy somewhere a bit quieter.
Confirm parking fees and availability before you set out.
4. Patient & Visitor Designated Spots
Spaces for patients and visitors sit by the main doors. These spaces assist those needing easier access.
Be sure to look out for signs to avoid any tickets, and to ensure that those who need the spaces can use them.
5. Staff Parking Areas
Staff parking is reserved and requires a permit. These places do not disrupt visitor spaces.
That means less stress for everyone attending for treatment!
Paying for Your Hospital Parking
Parking at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham can be an ordeal in itself. Spaces fill quickly! Finding the right car park can prove a bit fiddly – especially when you’re late for an appointment!
Drivers have tales of looping around the lots during peak times, fearful they would miss their spot. With no free-for-all parking and fees that mount up, the process calls for some planning.
When you arrive, you’ll see ticket machines near main entrances and lifts. Payment is straightforward – machines accept coins, cards and contactless.
Or if you like your phone, apps such as RingGo let you pay without the hassle of queuing. You can even add credit from afar if your visit drags on! Hold on to your ticket until you leave.
Losing it costs you more or fetching the help desk.
Current Parking Charges Explained
Short stays, such as sub-two hour visits, are under a fiver. Four hours or more can easily run up to more than £6.
The multi-storey car park and surface lots have different rates. They even have a 10m high limit, which can catch out those in bigger vehicles.
If you’re staying overnight they soon add up. Peak hours can incur additional charges, and some patients struggle to find the money.
How to Settle Your Parking Fee
Pay at the machine or the app before you go. It’s simple – enter your plate, verify your fee and pay.
Machines will print receipts if you need one for records or claims.
Exploring Weekly Ticket Savings
If you’re going back a few times, a weekly ticket is cheaper than the daily rate. These can be purchased in the kiosk or online.
They are a godsend for patients going into hospital!
Any Free Parking Periods?
Free parking is unusual and usually reserved for blue badge holders or short drop-offs in designated bays.
Always read the signs and avoid fines.
Accessible Parking for Blue Badge Holders
Parking as a Blue Badge holder at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham can be a welcome maze. There’s ample signage and decent support, if you know where to seek it, but you’ll have to get your head round a few regulations as well.
The hospital reserves roughly 290 disabled parking spaces for patients and visitors. They clearly designate the spaces and locate them conveniently near main entry points. These are at the front and, on Queen Elizabeth Hospital Drive.
All you need to take advantage of these is a valid Blue Badge. You sometimes have to provide proof if your treatment is ongoing or regular, which may even entitle some with long-term conditions to free parking. There are 865 visitor spaces.
Though the precise proportion for Blue Badge holders isn’t… well, let’s say the main car parks do have dedicated bays.
Blue Badge Spaces in Car Park A
Car Park A is the first port of call for most. There are 15 disabled spaces located immediately outside the main entrance. That means less walking, and easier access to lifts or help desks.
It’s patrolled and under CCTV, so you feel secure at all hours. Certain patients speak of “quick drop-offs” here. Attendants are typically happy to respond to questions or direct you to your appropriate bay.
Blue Badge Options in Car Park D
Car Park D comes to the rescue with 30 Blue Badge spaces. These bays are kerbside and have extra space for ramps. It’s a flat layout, and attendants help things run smoothly.
There are some minor exclusions – no obstructing ambulance runs, for instance – but signage makes this clear.
Ensuring Sufficient Accessible Bays
Visitor feedback is mixed – the majority will find a space, but busy periods can involve a wait. The hospital continues to count to ensure nobody is excluded.
Making sure there are sufficient bays available for those that need them most is important to us all.
Making Your Visit Easier
Reaching Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham by car isn’t so intimidating with some forethought. Provided you have the right tools and a decent idea of the car park configuration, you save time and hassle. Peak times, such as mornings or early afternoons, can be queues and crammed bays.
Allowing time in your arrival does make a difference!” “It finds you a space or walks a little more if necessary.
The Free Hospital Shuttle Bus
There is a free shuttle bus between the main car parks, entrances and key sites across the hospital grounds. The shuttle operates every 20 minutes Mon-Fri, with stops close to the main gate and outlying areas.
It’s useful if your appointment is in a department far from where you parked. It’s step-free with space for wheelchairs and pushchairs, so it’s accessible to all. Timetables are displayed at every stop (and online), so making your plans around them is simple enough.
Proximity of Car Parks to Entrances
Car Park A is the closest, a short, level walk from the main entrance. Car Park D, farther away, is nearer the Cancer Centre.
For clinics in the Outpatients building, Car Park B offers a direct route. USE A MAP Having a map or checking the hospital website helps identify which car park fits with your appointment location. Choosing the right parking garage means less rushing and more time to check in at leisure.
What If On-Site Parks Are Full?
On busy days, the overflow car parks get full. Additionally, you’re right next to the University train station with public parking.
Street parking is available along Vincent Drive (but spaces go quickly!) Walking from other places, though, can take 10-15 minutes, so worth allowing a little extra time. Pre-booking a spot (where possible) eases the process and prevents any last-minute panic.
Insider Tips for Stress-Free Parking
Driving to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham is easier with some local knowledge. Parking can be a bit of an enigma for many drivers. A few clever steps can make life a great deal easier.
Best Times to Arrive by Car
The worst of the traffic builds up in very early mornings 8-10am. It spikes in late afternoons, as outpatient clinics and visiting hours commence. Going before 8am or after 4pm usually means a few more available spaces, and a lot less stress.
Weekends tend to be less frenetic, although early-Monday appointments can be popular. Allow yourself at least half-an-hour extra before your appointment! This will help you locate a parking space and have a serene stroll to your department.
If you go often, you’ll see trends – Wednesdays are the quietest, Mondays the busiest.
Pre-Booking Parking: Is It Possible?
Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham does not provide pre-booked parking for ordinary visitors. Nevertheless, being aware of it in advance helps you to prepare.
Definitely never forget some change for your pay-and-display! The hospital takes card payments, but machines can be broken. Blue Badge spaces are available near main entrances, and knowing where they are before you come can save time.
Checking for Travel & Parking Updates
Before you go, consult the hospital’s website for live parking updates. Do check their Twitter feed for roadworks!
There are times you can just check online to see if a car park is busy. You can find out if there’s a diversion!
Navigating from Car Park to Department
Signage is clear and staff at main entrances are willing to assist. Just take a simple checklist!
Bring your appointment letter, cash/card for parking, and Blue Badge if required. Oh, and don’t forget to remember where you parked! It all serves to keep matters simple.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pay the Birmingham Clean Air Zone charge to reach the hospital?
Yes, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham is located inside the Clean Air Zone. Pre-book your car online before you travel. Charges apply if your vehicle does not meet certain emission standards.
Where is the main car park at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham?
The main hospital car park is on Mindelsohn Way, next to the hospital entrance. Unearth signs as you near the site for clear instructions.
How do I pay for parking at QEHB?
You can pay at on-site pay machines via cash, card or contactless. Make sure you pay before leaving the car park.
Is there parking for Blue Badge holders?
Yes, Blue Badge spaces are located near the main entrance. Parking is free for Blue Badge holders, but you must display your badge prominently.
Are there any time limits on hospital parking?
Standard car park charges apply whilst you are here. No set time limits, but extended stays are pricier.
Can I reserve a parking space in advance?
No, parking at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham is offered on a first come, first served basis. Arrive promptly for the best odds of securing a place.
What should I do if the car park is full?
If the main car park is full, follow signage to the overflow or alternative parking. Please use public transport if you can, particularly at peak times.