More than 1,200 Nottingham hospitals staff to lose parking permit under new system

More than 1,200 members of staff working for Nottingham University Hospitals will lose their car parking permits under a new system.

There are just 3,037 parking spaces across the Queen’s Medical Centre and Nottingham City Hospital which marks a “major challenge” for the trust. Andrew Chatten, Director of Estates and Facilities, said the trust received 9,600 applications for permits after the process opened in October 2022.

He said 1,246 members of staff will lose their permits under the new system. Those losing their permits will have a period of ‘protection’ from six weeks to 12 months. And at least 1,939 applicants who don’t have permits stand to gain one under the new system.

Anthony May, Chief Executive, said car parking is one of the most sensitive issues for staff working for the hospitals trust. The new system, which has been several years in the making, was discussed at the board meeting on July 13.

There are 84 different types of parking permits including for blue badge holders and those working long or unsociable hours. Other reasons including distance to work and contractual commitments were considered. Night-time staff are granted a permit during night hours free of charge.

Charging for staff parking will commence from October 1. Mr Chatten said: “It is an unfortunate reality that not all staff who would like to park on-site will be able to do so.

“We wanted to implement a transparent and fair application process. Two surveys were conducted in late 2021 where staff were asked to tell us what they considered important in qualification for a permit.

“The response led to a ranking of eligibility criteria to determine a points-based system for the award of a permit. We have worked to secure additional improvements for colleagues who are not eligible for a parking permit.

“We have secured longer operating hours on the Medilink service, a shuttle bus from Phoenix Park to the City Hospital and negotiated greatly reduced tram season passes for staff. This six-week period provides a minimum period for staff, particularly those who have a permit but will not in the future, to make reasonable adjustments to their journey to work.”

He added an appeals process will be launched on July 24. In August, an additional 250 spaces will be available at the Queen’s Medical Centre site.

Jack Adlam, director of communications, said a “comprehensive communications plan” is in place.He added that there will be three sessions where staff can ask executives questions about the changes.

Anthony May, Chief Executive, said the process “has been a marathon and we know it’s not over yet”. He said the trust had gone to the “ends of the earth” to make the process transparent.

He added: “I think this is probably the most sensitive issue in the trust apart from the integrated transport offer.

“We shouldn’t forget that this trust has a fantastic integrated transport offer which is now much more reliable than previously. We really have pulled out all the stops to get people to and from the sites.

“Whilst extending car parking is a reflection of reality, as times go on we want to discourage people from bringing their cars to work where we can. We are very focused on all aspects of travel, not just car parking. Having been involved in on-site car parking for longer than I can remember, this is about as good as it gets in truth.”