Top local doctor launches hospital parking campaign

Dr Zahid Chauhan OBE, former Mayor of Oldham and respected GP, has launched a major campaign calling for urgent improvements to parking facilities at Royal Oldham Hospital, after growing frustration among patients, visitors and NHS staff struggling to find a space.

Dr Chauhan has written to Oldham’s two MPs - Debbie Abrahams and Jim McMahon, and Manchester MP Lucy Powell, asking them to lobby the national government and support local efforts to deliver a long-term solution.

The campaign calls for:

● A multi-storey car park or other expanded facility to increase capacity;

● Dedicated parking directly opposite A&E; for patients attending emergency care;

● Affordable and fair parking for patients, visitors and NHS staff;

● Improved access for wheelchair users and those with mobility needs.

Dr Chauhan said: “Every week I hear heartbreaking stories from patients who arrive late or miss appointments because they can’t find a space, or from NHS staff who finish 12-hour shifts only to face parking fines.

“This is not just about convenience, it's about safety and access to care. Royal Oldham Hospital is a vital institution serving thousands of people every week.

"Parking should never add to the stress of beingunwell or caring for someone who is.”

He added “If Royal Oldham Hospital can give the world the first NHS IVF baby, I’mbsure it can also give local people the parking facilities they deserve.

"We need a proper, long-term solution - a multi-storey car park and fairer parking policies that work for everyone.”

The campaign has already drawn widespread public support, with residents sharing their own experiences of missed appointments, fines and the daily struggle to find spaces near the hospital.

Dr Chauhan is calling on the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, Oldham Council, local MPs and the Government to work together to deliver a modern, fair and accessible parking system for patients, visitors and staff.

Steve Taylor, chief officer at The Royal Oldham Hospital, which is part of the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We know parking can be difficult during busy times and we are always trying to improve access for our patients, visitors and colleagues.

"We're exploring options for a new multi-storey car park on the hospital site, which needs to meet strict planning rules - especially where it may be overlooked by residential properties.

“To help minimise congestion on our hospital site we are looking at improving staff travel with a shared lift scheme, encouraging more sustainable travel options and enabling colleagues to work remotely where possible.”

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