Congestion near York Hospital is currently being reviewed, the NHS has said after potential solutions were mooted at a recent meeting.
York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust was asked to consider measures including advising patients about traffic queues and car parks and looking at visiting times.
Trust board of directors chair Martin Barkley told its meeting last Wednesday (27 May) they would look at their options, some of which could be implemented within weeks.
A trust spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) they recognised parking and congestion could be frustrating for patients, visitors and staff.
It comes after a petition was lodged calling for action to tackle congestion and queues back from York Hospital’s car park onto Wigginton Road.
Labour Guildhall ward councillors who submitted the petition said it was affecting nearby roads, bus services and exposing residents to noise and pollution.
They said: “We call upon the trust and City of York Council to work together to urgently undertake measures to address the serious and regular congestion.
“The congestion is badly affecting both nearby junctions and roads beyond.
“Journeys, including those to the hospital, are unreliable, time-consuming and stressful.”
The petition has been signed by at least 1,850 people since it launched in February.
Free options
Ideas to deal with the issue which were put to the trust on Wednesday included better advice for getting to the hospital and the location of other car parks.
Trying to get more patients seen in Scarborough’s and Bridlington’s hospitals and looking at visiting times to avoid a rush at 2pm were also discussed.
Board chair Mr Barkley said the options being considered were all cost-free.
The trust’s spokesperson told LDRS said work on the issue remained ongoing.
The spokesperson said: “We have received the petition regarding traffic and access around York Hospital, and we recognise that congestion and parking can be frustrating for patients, visitors, and staff.
“We are reviewing the issues raised and will continue to work with relevant partners to consider opportunities to improve access to the hospital.”
