Building a decked car park at the Isle of Wight's hospital is one of three options being explored by the Isle of Wight NHS Trust, as it looks to increase parking capacity.

The Trust is seeking to appoint a commercial partner to oversee Security and Car Parking Management Services at St Mary's Hospital, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

As part of the role, the contractor would also be required to fund and construct one of three infrastructure projects.

The first would see the replacement of all existing equipment relating to car parking, including pay machines and barriers.

While the second option would be to create an extra 50 parking spaces adjacent to the main visitor car park.

The third option involves creating a further 170 parking spaces on a deck above the main visitor car park.

Whoever wins the contract would be required to have two appropriately-qualified and equipped car parking and security officers on duty at all time.

Joe Smyth, Chief Officer at Isle of Wight NHS Trust said: “We are committed to improving the current car parking provision for both staff and visitors at St Mary’s Hospital and we are in the process of exploring potential solutions and developing high-level plans to increase car parking capacity.

"There are still a number of discussions with our staff and stakeholders, including patients, which need to take place before any plans are finalised."

The Trust said it expects the capital costs of construction works to be recouped through the trust's parking income, over the life of the contract.

Before building works could proceed, the relevant planning permissions would need to be approved by the Isle of Wight Council.

The Trust told the County Press it hopes to be able to communicate what improvements will be made, and when, early next year.