Fury over cars and vans parked outside hospital
NHS STAFF SAY SOME HAVE BEEN LEFT IN AMBULANCE BAYS
A GROUP of ‘inconsiderate’ drivers parking in ambulance bays, along yellow lines and on pavements at Manchester Royal Infirmary have been blasted for causing disruption for staff and patients – for four days.
Up to a dozen vans and cars have been outside the hospital on Upper Brook Street since Tuesday, according to NHS workers.
NHS bosses and police are attempting to move them along.
Staff say the group has been parking in bays reserved for ambulances so paramedics can transport outpatients to appointments.
They also said drivers have blocked them from getting in and out of the car park at the hospital’s Grafton Street entrance on numerous occasions.
Images taken at the site show vehicles on pavements and yellow lines. Dashcam footage also shows a car parked in an ambulance bay.
One member of staff, who asked not to be named, said: “They have been parked along double yellow lines and in ambulance bays since Tuesday.
“It’s inconsiderate and I’m disgusted to be quite honest.
“When I have been into work I can see people in the vans and cars asleep. They may have relatives or loved ones at the hospital, but I have to pay to park – and so does everyone else. Why should everyone else have to pay while they get away with it.”
She said the ambulance bays are used to transport patients into the hospital for appointments, adding: “It’s not the A&E entrance but still, the bays are there for a reason.
“There are security guards there and when they were asked why they weren’t doing anything about it, they said ‘there are more of them than there are of us.’
“I asked why the police hadn’t been brought in and was told it was because it is on private land so there is nothing the police can do.
“They are causing disruption and delays to staff and patients – something needs to be done.”
A spokesman for Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the hospital, said: “We are aware of a number of vehicles currently parked at Manchester Royal Infirmary.
“We are continuing to manage their presence on site and would like to reassure patients that these vehicles are not parked in areas that directly impact on the arrival of ambulances or patient care.
“We are working closely with Greater Manchester Police to resolve this situation.”
The M.E.N. has contacted GMP for a comment.