DISGRUNTLED hospital workers say they have been “kicked in the teeth” after being refused a free parking permit days before the government unveiled plans for concessions for staff and patients.

Thousands more NHS patients and visitors will be able to access free hospital parking under a new scheme revealed ahead of the new year.

From April, all 206 hospital trusts in the UK will be expected to offer free parking to those with the “greatest need.”

Blue badge holders and frequent outpatients with long-term conditions will benefit, as will parents of sick children forced to stay in hospital overnight and staff working night shifts.

But some members of staff have been left fuming after failing to qualify for a parking permit at Colchester Hospital, in Turner Road.

Instead they are expected to use public transport, the Park and Ride or walk to work.

One worker said the rejection had led to her applying for a job outside the trust after more than 20 years working there.

“Myself along with so many people have yet again been rejected for a car parking permit,” she said.

“I have worked for the hospital for just over 20 years and have been kicked in the teeth time and time again.

“Now they will be losing loyal staff.”

Under the points-based system for parking permits, staff who live within two miles of the hospital will not qualify.

All hospital staff are eligible for free use of Colchester’s Park and Ride.

The daughter-in-law of one nurse said the parking prices were “extortionate.”

“Nurses don’t get paid enough to be able to afford to pay for parking,” she said.

“My mother-in-law didn’t get her parking permit this year and she’s worried how she will get to work.

“Why should she have to get the Park and Ride - she is at the wrong end of town so using more petrol - or get public transport.

“She works so hard like the rest of the staff and is on her feet for almost 12 hours a day, sometimes without a break.

“It’s disgusting and the trust should be ashamed of themselves.”

Last year, hospital trusts in England made more than £254 million from car parking charges and a further £1.5m from parking fines.

Profits from car parking charges must be reinvested into frontline care.

A spokeswoman for East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust said: “We welcome the Government’s announcement.

“At Colchester Hospital car parking is free for all blue badge holders.

“It is also free for patients receiving frequent treatments such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

“We also have reduced rate car parking for relatives who are visiting frequently and it is completely free for the next of kin of patients who are receiving care at the end of their lives.”

She added: “All staff at Colchester are asked to reapply or apply for car parking permits.

“The way in which everyone’s applications will be assessed is available for staff to view on the staff Intranet.

“The whole aim is for the new permit application process to be fairer and more transparent for everyone.”

The spokeswoman also said the trust had a “robust” appeals process, which is available to all staff who feel their applications have been unfairly rejected.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “From April, across the country those with the greatest need - such as disabled people, parents staying overnight with sick children in hospital, and NHS staff working night shifts - will no longer have to pay for parking.”