Costa Coffee has been criticized for adding a ‘surcharge’ of 10p to drinks in NHS cafes | UK News

A popular coffee chain has been criticized for increasing the price of its drinks in NHS outlets.

Costa Coffee branches in hospitals in a number of locations are charging an extra 10p for drinks, which is considered a “hospital tax” for those visiting sick relatives.

The chain has 94 concessions in UK hospitals, but while they charge £3.05 for a small latte at their branch in Northumberland Street, Newcastle, the same drink would cost £3.15 at the nearby Royal Victoria Infirmary, reports The Sun.

Similarly, at Costa Coffee at St Richard’s Hospital in Chichester, West Sussex, a flat white will cost you £3.25 and a latte or cappuccino £3.15.

But the same drinks bought from the East Street branch just under a mile away are all 10p cheaper.

The disparity has been criticized by Dennis Reed, director of campaign group Silver Voices.

He said: “They know with long waits for patients and their loved ones that they have captive customers who need refreshments, so they’re charging a hospital surcharge.”

According to Costa Coffee, prices at its hospital outlets are set by its partners.

For example, the Royal Victoria Infirmary branch is operated by Medirest.

A Costa spokesman said: “It is not uncommon to find some Costa Coffee products at higher prices, reflecting the unique locations and the operational costs associated with those locations.”

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

For more stories like this, Visit our news page.