Staff faced difficult conditions getting into work

NHS Trust managers who run the Royal Hospital in Worcester, a city virtually cut off over the weekend, said it was aware staff faced difficulties.

It said it was implementing the same procedures used when staff face travel difficulties due to snow.

The RCN says it would not expect staff to make up time lost due to weather.

Jane Paterson, RCN's lead officer for the West Midlands, said: "Normally, we would not expect nurses, who historically work a third of their time for free, to make up time lost due to inclement weather or to take it as holiday.

"If that is what is being implemented it would not show value for the nurses' input."

She added the RCN had not had any complaints from nurses over the matter.

Contingency plans

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust also runs the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch and Kidderminster Hospital.

Chief executive John Rostill said: "During the weekend the trust used the same contingency plans as would operate if there had been a heavy snowfall.

"This means staff unable to get to their hospital bases would have a choice to take the day as annual leave or alternatively work a shift in lieu.

"We have not asked staff to take this time without pay.

"Staff who covered a double shift during the weekend will be paid overtime."

He acknowledged staff faced hazardous travel conditions in order to reach the hospital.

"In fact we did have assistance from the military on Saturday to bring staff to hospitals," Mr Rostill said.

"Many staff worked more than one shift, some made alternative arrangements to ensure they were able to reach the hospital and some actually stayed in the hospital overnight."

The trust has thanked staff for their efforts over the weekend.