Oldham Council has tonight backed a powerful motion from Dr Zahid Chauhan OBE,calling for a modern, fair and compassionate parking system at Royal Oldham Hospital.
The motion, seconded by Cllr Barbara Brownridge, Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing, was passed at the full council meeting and urges the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, Oldham Council, local MPs and the Government to work together to tackle long-standing parking problems that have caused distress for patients, families and NHS staff alike.
Dr Chauhan said the vote sends “a strong message that Oldham cares, not just about treatment, but about people’s whole hospital experience.”
Dr Zahid Chauhan OBE said “This motion isn’t about pointing fingers, it’s about partnership and fairness. Our hospital staff do an incredible job, often under the toughest of circumstances. They are the beating heart of the NHS – doctors,nurses, porters, cleaners, administrators – giving their all every day. The least we can do is make sure that getting to work, or visiting a loved one, doesn’t begin with stress and frustration.”
Dr Chauhan moved the motion after hearing countless stories from local residents and NHS staff struggling with limited parking, poor signage and expensive fines.
He told the council about a husband who drove desperately through traffic to see his dying wife, only to spend nearly forty minutes circling for a space before rushing inside.
“That man’s story broke my heart,” Dr Chauhan said. “In his darkest moment, he needed compassion and instead he found confusion and chaos. Sadly, he’s not alone. I’ve heard stories from parents trying to reach A&E with a fitting child and from staff walking 20 minutes to their cars in the dark after a 12-hour shift.”
Dr Chauhan compared the situation at Royal Oldham Hospital with examples of good practice in neighbouring trusts:
“At Salford Royal, part of the same Northern Care Alliance, patients arrive to clear digital signage showing where spaces are free, it’s modern, organised and efficient.
At The Christie Hospital, compassion literally starts in the car park, with free parking for patients, parking marshals to help you in and wheelchairs available right there for anyone unable to walk.
If Salford and The Christie can do it, so can Oldham.”
The motion highlights that fair and accessible parking is not a luxury, it’s part of dignified healthcare.
“When people come to hospital, they come in moments of fear, pain and hope,” Dr Chauhan said.
“They shouldn’t have to circle endlessly, worrying about fines or walking long distances late at night. If our hospital can deliver the world’s first IVF baby, it can deliver a car park that reflects the compassion of its staff and patients.”
Dr Chauhan also used the debate to highlight the systemic underfunding of healthcare facilities in towns like Oldham.
“Once again, we see how communities like ours are left behind,” he said. “It’s another postcode lottery, where those in greatest need are often the last to see improvements. Our motion is a call to end that imbalance and to bring investment and fairness to Oldham.”
