WH Smith will cut hospital store prices following accusations of exploiting NHS patients

WH Smith has announced that it will cut prices in stores based in hospitals after customers complained it was charging more than in high street stores.

The retailer made the announced after continued pressure was amplified by Paula Sherriff, the Labour MP for Dewsbury, who said WH Smith will now match stationery prices and cut food and drink costs.

In a statement, she said: “This is a welcome first step for NHS patients, visitors and staff, who were frankly being exploited to boost the bottom line of some of Britain’s biggest businesses while the government looks the other way.

“It’s disappointing that ministers have failed to act, but I will be meeting other retailers soon and I hope they will follow this lead. Whether it’s higher prices in the shops or charging for car parks, those who use or work in our hospitals are paying an unfair price and it’s about time that changed.”

According to theBBC, customers were paying 89p more for a 750ml bottle of water and £1.50 more for an A4 refill pad at one hospital in Wakefield than at a store in Leeds.

WH Smith also released a statement and said: “The vast majority of our products are the same price in both our hospital and high street stores. This includes all newspapers, magazines, books and stationery.

“For food and drinks, where prices may be different, they are very similar and often slightly cheaper in hospitals, reflecting the different sales mix and the resulting promotional approach which is designed to best deliver value to all of our customers, despite the different cost structures.

“Going forward, our high street stationery promotions will always be available in our hospital stores and we will continue to monitor average selling prices across all ranges to ensure they remain aligned.”