FIVE new multi-storey car parks could be built at Oxford's hospitals under plans revealed by health bosses today.

Dr Bruno Holthof, chief executive of Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said it was part of a 'masterplan' being drawn up for sites in Headington.

Two would be at the John Radcliffe Hospital, two at the Churchill Hospital and one at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre. 

Speaking at a meeting of the Oxfordshire Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Dr Holthof said: "Ideally we would like more [spaces] but at least we will organise the existing parking more efficiently."

He also suggested the trust was looking at whether a park and ride facility ould be built for hospital staff on the edge of Oxford but did not give further details.

His comments came after years of patient complaints about the over-subscribed car parks, which are regularly full.

Last month a senior county councillor, who has been visiting the Churchill for cancer treatment, claimed the problem was 'an extra aggravation' for people who were sick. 

But plans to add extra spaces would put the hospitals trust on a collision course with Oxford City Council, the planning authority, which has said it would not support an increase.