A HOSPITAL has slashed staff parking permits to allow more space for patients.

Darent Valley Hospital has decided to reduce the number of staff permits from 2,700 to 2,000 from September following complaints about lack of patient parking.

This is partly due to staff parking in the 405 space public car park, with up to 50 spaces sometimes being used a day.

Following the move, staff will only be allowed to park in the 780 space staff car park.

Chief Executive Susan Acott says staff will have to reapply for permits, which will be allocated according to strict criteria, such as whether they are blue badge holders.

She added:” I am sorry the outcome will be problematic for a minority of staff, but I hope they will understand our dilemma, and be able to find other means of getting to work.

“First and foremost we are here to treat patients and we must ensure they can access the hospital when they need to.”

Tan Dhillon, 35, from Thurrock travels to the hospital to get treatment for his 7-year-old son, Harthander, who suffers from epileptic fits.

Mr Dhillon received a parking ticket from Dartford Council after having to park outside hospital grounds due to lack of space.

Following the hospital’s decision, he said: “When you go to the hospital, people are parked on double yellow lines and pedestrian walkways, and it’s quite chaotic.

“If you go out of your way to get to a hospital with a kid with medical issues, it’s not acceptable.

“So this is a welcomed move.”