Traffic Chaos at Colchester Hospital: Staff Struggle with Two-Hour Queues
Colchester Hospital staff have been facing a frustrating ordeal over the past two weeks as they find themselves stuck in their own car park for more than two hours due to temporary traffic lights causing chaos in the area. The roadworks on Mill Road, which include temporary traffic lights, have led to gridlock, leaving hospital staff waiting for hours just to exit the car park.
According to contractor Open Reach, the temporary traffic lights are “out of sync,” causing confusion and congestion in the surrounding area. This has resulted in significant delays for hospital staff trying to leave the premises, with some reporting waiting times of up to two hours. The situation has become so severe that Colchester Hospital has been reaching out to outpatients to warn them about potential delays.
Sue Schulte, a senior pharmacy assistant at Colchester Hospital’s aseptic unit, shared her experience of being stuck in the gridlock on a particularly busy evening. She recounted joining the queue at 4:25 pm and being unable to move for hours, capturing the chaos through photographs and videos. Sue expressed concerns about the implications of such traffic congestion in case of a real emergency where swift movement is crucial.
Impact on Hospital Operations and Staff
The traffic chaos caused by the out-of-sync traffic lights on Mill Road has not only affected hospital staff but also posed challenges for emergency services. Sue Schulte noted that two ambulances were seen struggling to navigate through the traffic on a particularly congested evening. This highlights the potential risks and delays in providing critical medical assistance due to the ongoing roadworks.
Colchester Hospital has acknowledged the severity of the situation and has been working to mitigate the impact on its operations. The hospital spokesperson emphasized the need for outpatients to plan for extra travel time due to the roadworks and assured that every effort is being made to accommodate patients who may arrive late for appointments.
Efforts to Resolve the Traffic Issues
Essex Highways, the agency responsible for managing roadworks in the area, has been actively investigating the cause of the traffic congestion near Colchester Hospital. They have acknowledged the conflict in the timings of temporary traffic signals as a potential factor contributing to the chaos. In response to the current delays, Essex Highways has suspended other scheduled works in the vicinity to alleviate traffic flow and minimize disruptions.
Openreach, the company responsible for the roadworks on Mill Road, has issued an apology for the inconvenience caused by the out-of-sync traffic lights. They have committed to urgently fixing the issue to ensure smoother traffic flow in the area. The company’s spokesperson highlighted the importance of rectifying the situation promptly to prevent further disruptions to both commuters and hospital staff.
In conclusion, the traffic chaos at Colchester Hospital due to the out-of-sync traffic lights on Mill Road has posed significant challenges for hospital staff, patients, and emergency services. The ongoing roadworks have led to extensive delays and congestion, prompting authorities to take immediate action to resolve the issue. As efforts are being made to address the traffic issues, it is essential for all stakeholders to work together towards ensuring the smooth flow of traffic in the area for the safety and well-being of the community.