SOME non-urgent appointments are being postponed at hospitals and an appeal has gone out for assistance of helping staff get into work.

Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Andover War Memorial Hospital, Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital and Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester, is rescheduling some appointments to prevent people needing to travel in the adverse weather.

The trust is also appealing to anyone with a four-wheel drive who would be able to help staff finding it difficult to get into work.

Julie Maskery, chief operating officer at Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Despite the fantastic efforts being made by our staff to get into work and to keep services running, the adverse weather is presenting us with some staffing challenges. Nursing staff who are not on duty are being asked to report for work if it is safe for them to do so."

"Due to the current weather conditions, we have taken the decision to postpone some non-urgent outpatient appointments and procedures to prevent the need for people to travel to our hospitals unless it essential.

"If your appointment is going to be postponed, you will be contacted by the Trust.

"Otherwise, please attend as planned if it is safe for you to do so. If you are unable to attend your appointment, please let us know using the contact details on your appointment letter."

“Where possible, our clinicians are carrying out telephone consultations with patients whose appointments are postponed or are unable to reach our hospitals."

Anyone able to assist the hospital staff, email transport@hhft.nhs.uk with your contact details and location.