VICTORY has been won for community nurses and care professionals in Worcester as they have finally been granted parking permits.
Worcestershire County Council has voted in favour of a new Healthcare Worker Parking Permit Scheme.
The decision comes after more than 440 residents signed a petition entitled “Let Nurses Park” calling for fair treatment for community nurses and healthcare staff, who currently risk parking fines while visiting patients in their homes — including end-of-life care visits and urgent interventions.
Worcester City Councillor, Coun Sarah Murray who launched the parking permit campaign said: “This is about fairness and common sense. Healthcare workers should be able to spend their time with patients, not worrying about parking fines. I’m proud that Worcestershire has shown it values the people who deliver vital care in our communities.”
Coun Mel Allcott, who proposed the motion, continued: “I was proud to bring this motion forward on behalf of healthcare workers and the residents who rely on them. The stories we’ve heard from nurses and carers make it clear that the current situation is unfair and unsafe. This scheme will make a real difference.”
Healthcare staff using their own vehicles were expected to find public parking or risk fines – despite time-sensitive visits and the need to carry medical equipment. Some have paid fines out of their own pockets.
Debbie Handley, a local nursing manager who addressed councillors during the debate, added: “This decision is a huge relief for healthcare workers. It means we can reach patients more quickly and focus on providing care without the added stress of parking fines.”
