As weather in the UK reached near-arctic temperatures during the first week of the New Year, hospitals across the country have found themselves battling against the inevitable combination of staff shortages and increased accident and emergency cases.

With many staff members unable to risk the journey to work, several major hospitals have had to cancel appropriate elective surgery and some outpatients clinics; particularly so in the Lewisham area, where the hospital's NHS Trust has organised accommodation for staff who travel to ensure it can provide business as usual.

In the London Borough of Bromley, services appear to be running smoothly despite the weather conditions, although the hospital has reported a major increase in demand from those who've injured themselves in the cold weather.

A statement from the Bromley Primary Care Trust issued on 7 January advised the public "to take extra care in the icy conditions, to only leave the house if absolutely necessary, and to check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours, family and friends to make sure they are comfortable, well and warm."

Despite the treacherous weather, many have still chosen to continue on into work. Staff at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals have been praised by the chairman and chief executive of their NHS Foundation Trust for the efforts they've gone to to make sure they got to work.

CEO Anna Dugdale said: "We would like to say thanks to all those staff who made sure they got into work despite the snow. Patients have also undertaken some long and difficult journeys to get to their appointments and we are also very appreciative of the efforts they have made." Chairman David Prior added: "Our staff deserve sincere thanks for going the extra mile in the appalling weather."

In Portsmouth, staff members who were unable to make it to the Cosham hospital to start their shifts were covered by members off staff stuck at the hospital who were prepared to work on. Some staff worked in excess of their usual hours to ensure patient care was not compromised, whilst others walked through the snow to make sure they made it to work.

Hull Royal Infirmary has reported that from 1 to 7 January, a total of 2144 people attended A&E, compared to 2076 in 2009. Of those cases, 357 people were treated for trauma injuries. This is compared to 210 over the same period last year. Seven additional theatre lists were put in place to deal with extra people who needed surgery this week.

However, staff shortages in other areas are putting increased pressure on hospitals to cope with the influx of snow and ice related injuries.

Ashford and St Peter's Hospitals NHS Trust's deputy chief nurse,Vanessa Avlontis issued this warning to the public on 5 January: "I would like to ask the public to think twice about whether a visit to A&E is really necessary, or if they could use the services of their GP or local walk-in centre instead. Unprecedented high levels of activity in A&E here is putting increased pressure on our services."

Where radiology departments were concerned, Lynne Gurnett, communications officer at Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton, said:

"Sterling efforts were made by hundreds of staff here when the snow fell steadily and routes into the hospital became treacherous.

"In the radiology department, it was a relief to see that most clinical and non-clinical staff made it into work, some trudging through the snow on foot and others taking it slowly by car. The clinical team made great efforts to scan/x-ray as many inpatients as possible in order to help with bed management.

"Also, the out-of-hours imaging service was fully covered with those who live locally covering for those who were stranded. All teams worked together to minimise any interruptions to the service."

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Posted: 08/01/2010