Hospitals cancel operations as snow causes increase in 999 emergencies

Operations were cancelled and delayed as heavy snow disrupted hospital services amid a rise in 999 emergencies across southern England.

Non-urgent admissions were cancelled at Guy's and St Thomas's hospitals in London, and South Central Ambulance Service used four-wheel-drive vehicles to reach people in rural parts of Oxfordshire.

A spokeswoman reported that falls, breathing difficulties and road traffic accidents had slowed response times, while the London Ambulance Service was also under pressure and only dealing with life-threatening situations.

The number of calls hit 650 between midnight and 6am, which was significantly more than normal.

Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children in London said severe weather had prevented many staff getting into work, and urged people with outpatient appointments to stay at home.

The same advice was given to visitors and anyone due to attend the hospital for non-urgent operations.

Have your say

You must sign in to make a comment.

Related Jobs

Sign in to see the latest jobs relevant to you!

  • Find hundreds of band 5 nursing jobs on the new Nursing Jobs Express website. All new registrants to the site will be entered into a weekly prize draw to win music, nursing equipment and more
Click here to look for band 5 jobs

Newsletter Sign-up

More Newsletters

Editorial Image

Online learning for nurses

Nursing Times Learning - a new way for you to update your knowledge and skills. Online units include: appraisal, ABG interpretation, cervical screening, childhood immunisation and more.