Advisers suggested easing parking shortages near hospitals, creating barrier-free facilities and tackling doctor-patient disputes at a conference tacklingthe public’sconcerns and expectations on Friday during the Two Sessions.

"Severe shortage of parking spaces and traffic congestion nearby hospitals in Shanghai are common, particularly for children's hospitals," said ZhengShan, an adviser from the Children's Hospital ofFudanUniversity.

"Most hospitals in downtown areas have been built for a long time, and their parking resources are very insufficient," saidZheng. "Such shortages will lead to safety hazards, particularly for children patients.

"It is suggested to include parking near hospitals into the city's comprehensive planning," saidZheng, advising a green approval channel on parking facilities nearby hospitals.

"A standard on parking services for drivers should be released, and intelligent systems on parking management should be introduced to ease pressure," she added.

"Appsthat reveal real-time parking space numbers near hospitals can be developed, and improved traffic signage and bus system near hospitals are also necessary.”

ShenJie called for barrier-free facilities on the city's pedestrian overpasses.

In Shanghai, there are 108 pedestrian overpasses and only 36 have elevators or escalators,Shensaid.

"There is a crying demand for such barrier-free facilities from the disabled, seniors and pregnant women," he said.

"Some overpasses are long and high, and a detour takes a lot of time, making the trip difficult for them.

"New overpasses should be installed with elevators and escalators, and barrier-free facilities should be equipped on existing overpasses if their conditions permit.”

JiangXinquancalled for the introduction of more social workers in hospitals tofacilitatebetter communication between medical workers and patients.

WangDehui said "guiding patients to have reasonable expectation on medical treatment effect is important" to tackle disputes between doctors and patients.

SunXiaofengsuggested stories behind old places' names be available to passers-by.

"It is important to keep the memory and culture of the city," Sun said. "The names of some old places such asCaojiaduandLaoximenare gradually falling into oblivion in city reconstruction and areforgotten, and there are a lot of stories and culture behind them.

"Facilities such as stone plates carrying their stories can be set up on pavements to keep a slice of memory.”