VALET parking may conjure up images of classy hotels rather than hospitals, but if you're a patient with disabilities it is all part of the service at Wythenshawe Hospital.

The hospital's current building projects are making it hard for people to park and concern over missed appointments has led to the new valet service.

Security manager, Colin Potts says: "At peak times it can be particularly hard for someone with disabilities to park close to the hospital, so our security staff will help out and park their cars if they are having difficulties."

South Manchester University Hospitals Trust is currently carrying out a £113 million development and the trust has been awarded a special grant of £92,500 by the Home Office to install the latest generation of CCTV cameras and recording equipment. The aim is to cut crime by 25% over the next five years.

Mr Potts says: "We already have excellent CCTV coverage at both Wythenshawe and Withington Hospitals, but I was very keen to upgrade the control room equipment and to make sure that we had cameras with the very latest 'night vision' capabilities."

The new development includes a 319-bed Acute Block, 50-bed Rehabilitation Unit and a 77-bed Mental Health Unit.

Mr Potts, a retired policeman who won the Queen's Police Medal for distinguished service says: "Car parks are our biggest problem, but on the new development we have been able to ensure that the car parks are close to the buildings, very well lit and easy to monitor.

"Our aim is to persuade the criminals that it's just not worth targeting the hospital."

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