Health workers will now be able to focus on care rather than parking say campaigners after the Healthcare Worker Parking Permit scheme was granted by Worcestershire County Council.
The scheme will allow nurses to park anywhere on city roads without incurring a parking fine.
Debbie Handley, a nursing manager, said: “This decision is a huge relief for healthcare workers.
“It means we can reach patients more quickly and focus on providing care without the added stress of parking fines.”
Previously, many nurses argued that they were being faced with fines or were forced to carry heavy equipment long distances to patients after finding a suitable parking space.
It led to more than 440 people signing a Let Nurses Park petition calling for fair treatment for community nurses and healthcare staff who attend to patients at home.
It includes those who are on end-of-life care visits and urgent interventions.
Worcester City Councillor Sarah Murray (Lib Dem/St Nicholas), who led the campaign, said: “This is about fairness and common sense.
“Healthcare workers should be able to spend their time with patients, not worrying about parking fines.
“I’m proud that today Worcestershire has shown it values the people who deliver vital care in our communities.”
Worcestershire county councillor, Mel Allcott (Lib Dem/Claines), who put the motion forward to the council, said she is proud of the outcome.
“The stories we’ve heard from nurses and carers make it clear that the current situation is unfair and unsafe.
“This scheme will make a real difference.
“I was proud to bring this motion forward on behalf of healthcare workers and the residents who rely on them.”
Previously, a nurse, who wished to remain anonymous, shared how she had faced several fines over the years while she was trying to treat patients at home.
Another added: “I am a district nurse team lead of 40 NHS community professionals who struggle to park multiple times a day to provide a service.
“We need to be supported the same as ambulances.”
The Healthcare Worker Parking Permit will enable those who hold it to park in designated postcodes across the region and will soon be available to apply for via the council’s website.