RESIDENTS have rallied in support of nurses who have lost the right to park at Worcestershire Royal Hospital – offering them their own driveways.

We have reported how many nurses have lost their permits to park at the overcrowded hospital, leaving them with no choice but to try to park on residential streets nearby.

Our story prompted a swell of support for the nurses and Worcestershire Acute Trust, which runs the hospital, now says it is revising its parking policy and that clinical staff will be prioritised as part of the changes.

In the meantime, many kind-hearted residents have come forward offering the hospital staff somewhere to park.

Susan Searle, of Ripon Road, in Worcester, has offered her driveway to staff for free.

Ms Searle, 56, who used to be a cleaner at the hospital, said: "I have got a driveway for up to three cars.

"It's just sitting there empty. It's eight minutes' walk from the hospital. If I can help the nurses out then great. They are there for us.

"At least I can help two or three out. The hospital should put on parking, but I know what it's like with patients and visitors.

"But priority should be given to staff. The NHS is in a bad way and whatever we can will help it."

Another resident, Shelly James, of Oaklands, has offered her driveway for parking.

"We have got a double drive. My husband works full time and I work part time, there's always one space available," she said.

One of the nurses who originally spoke out about losing her right to park at the hospital has also now found a local driveway to leave her car.

"I'd like to really thank the Worcester News for supporting the nurses in this," she said.

"We all just desperately want to be able to get to work on time, to look after the people of Worcestershire, while maintaining our own family lives.

"We look forward to the production of a policy which enables us to do this."

A spokesman for the acute trust said it is currently revising the parking policy. Clinical staff will be priorities and the trust has already agreed that nurses working 12-hour shifts will automatically be able to park on-site.

Staff members who need a place to park can call Ms Searle on 07593 707441 or Ms James on 07415 059490.