A FURIOUS NHS worker was slapped with an “unfair” fine after leaving his vehicle for just ten minutes when he couldn’t find a staff parking space available at the hospital where he works.

Integrated care worker Coilard Mwakamela is calling for more staff parking to be made available after he arrived in the staff car park at the back of Basildon Hospital on Wednesday, and there weren’t enough spaces.

Popping in to his office for just ten minutes, Mr Mwakamela insists he left his car in an area where he wasn’t blocking anyone in, an ambulance could get through and there was no immediate clinical need around where he parked.

But the 40-year-old returned to his spot - near the dermatology unit - to find he had been hit with a £40 fine, as did his colleague.

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He explained: “My office is based at Basildon, but I’m typically a remote worker and spend most of my time in the community.

“Sometimes I have to go to the hospital to get PPE, sort paperwork and the main office is there.

“I left my car in an area where I wasn’t blocking anyone in.

“But I came back from the office and found a ticket. I could understand if it’s a place the public need to park, but it wasn’t.”

Mr Mwakamela is now calling for more staff parking to be made available.

He continued: “I shouldn’t have to be coming to work, working 60-70 hours a week, worrying there won’t be a place to park or about parking tickets.”

Basildon Hospital said Mr Mwakamela, who is from Brentwood, could appeal his fine.

The team have assured parking facilities are available across the hospital, with a parking permit scheme for staff also in place.

While they confirmed staff parking with a permit at Basildon Hospital are continuing to receive free parking.

First Parking were contacted for comment.