Soldiers free snowbound hospital

Soldiers cleared snow from the Royal Surrey County Hospital site

The Army has been drafted in to clear snow from car parks at the Royal Surrey County Hospital in Guildford.

About 50 soldiers from the army base in Aldershot, Hampshire, are working to clear the site after Monday's snowfall.

Director of Nursing and Operations Sue Lewis said the NHS Trust was "very grateful" for the army's help.

She said the hospital was running "as many clinics as possible" on Tuesday afternoon, after cancellations on Monday because of severe weather.

Patients have been asked not to call the hospital to check if their appointment is being held, because the trust does not have the resources to cope with the volume of calls.

Hazardous conditions

Ms Lewis said: "If patients can get to the hospital for their appointments, we will do our best to ensure they are seen."

She said the co-operation of patients and the public during heavy snow on Monday helped staff to manage the situation.

Heavy snow saw disruption on roads and cancelled trains, flights, and hospital appointments.

Drivers faced hazardous road conditions after the snowfall later turned to ice.

All 403 state schools in Surrey remained closed on Tuesday, but limited train services have resumed.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version