Patients affected by parking jam

Extensive works in Stafford Hospital's grounds are leaving patients stuck in their cars and missing appointments as they search for a parking space.

The chaos looks set to continue for more than a month at the Weston Road complex, where queues of up to 45 minutes have built up as drivers crawl bumper-to-bumper in search of a place to park.

Rugeley's Councillor Daniel Davies was forced to wait for so long that he missed his appointment altogether.

Councillor Davies said: "I arrived at the hospital in good time for a blood test and found myself at the back of a 100-yard queue of cars, all lined up to try and find a parking spot.

"Patients were just driving around in circles trying to find somewhere to leave their cars. It was unbelievable. In the end we just gave up and came away because there wasn't anywhere to go.

"They called me afterwards to see why I didn't turn up, but the nurse had already guessed why I hadn't been able to get in.

"I was only going along for my blood test, but for people turning up for more serious treatments I think it's scandalous."

Repairs started in the grounds of Stafford Hospital on Monday, and health chiefs reckon that works will continue for the next six weeks. Several pathways are being resurfaced over the next week or so, while repairs to the roadways and car parks themselves will begin over the coming weeks.

Antony Sumara, Mid Staffordshire Foundation Trust's chief executive, said: "The recent bad weather has had an adverse effect on our car parks and pathways, and these works are essential to prevent further deterioration. We apologise to anyone inconvenienced by the works, which we hope to complete as soon as possible.

"As these works progress areas will be cordoned off and we would ask all staff and visitors to obey any signs or barriers to avoid any incidents or delays to the programme."