The facility in Livingston now has equal provision for staff and patients, having previously been 65/35 per cent in favour of workers.

It is understood that and another reshuffle has created around 200 more spaces. Parking and traffic congestion at St John's are among the most complained about subjects to the health board.

NHS Lothian's chief operating officer James McCaffery said: "This should make a difference to the situation there."

Complaints regarding parking at the hospital shot up following the Scottish Government's decision to take away the £1 parking fee.

Livingston SNP MSP Angela Constance has welcomed the news she said: "I have been making regular representations to NHS Lothian on behalf of constituents who have had difficulty in parking when attending St John's Hospital.

"I am glad that measures are finally being implemented to improve the situation as patients are entitled to access free parking when they are visiting sick relatives or attending hospital for treatment.

"I have many constituents who will welcome this improvement."