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Traveller camp blocks hospital emergency staff car park | Traveller camp blocks hospital emergency staff car park |
(35 minutes later) | |
Hundreds of NHS workers have been blocked from parking at the Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport after French travellers set up camp in the staff car park. | |
Surgeons, doctors and nurses were turned away after 14 caravans moved onto the 300-space area. | |
Hospital spokesman Julian Hayman said they were seeking legal advice in order to move the travellers on. | |
He added that hospital services had not been disrupted as a result. | |
But one hospital worker, who did not want to be named, said it was "infuriating". | |
"Finding a parking space is bad enough normally without this happening first thing," the worker said. | |
"I find it infuriating this situation can be allowed to continue until the families decide to move themselves on. | "I find it infuriating this situation can be allowed to continue until the families decide to move themselves on. |
'Nuisance' | |
"There are doctors and other medical staff who work on emergency cases around the clock. | "There are doctors and other medical staff who work on emergency cases around the clock. |
"They are being forced to park some distance away all because a group of French travellers fancied the spot to set up camp." | "They are being forced to park some distance away all because a group of French travellers fancied the spot to set up camp." |
Terry Jones, 64, who was visiting a relative in hospital, said: "Someone could suffer because a doctor is late for their shift. | Terry Jones, 64, who was visiting a relative in hospital, said: "Someone could suffer because a doctor is late for their shift. |
"It just shouldn't be allowed to happen. | |
"It may not be politically correct to say it but these people never seem to think about the impact it will have on the rest of us. | "It may not be politically correct to say it but these people never seem to think about the impact it will have on the rest of us. |
"I hope they realise what a nuisance they are causing to the staff and move on soon." | "I hope they realise what a nuisance they are causing to the staff and move on soon." |
Mr Hayman said the travellers had taken approximately 65 spaces. | |
"We will ensure that security is available on site from 6am-10pm every day to reassure and support staff," he said. | |
"We are taking legal advice to resolve the situation as soon as possible - there is no quick legal solution but we are also working with the travellers to ensure they leave as soon as possible. | |
"There has been no disruption to hospital services and, in the main, staff have been very understanding and acted in a professional manner throughout the morning." |