13 January 2010 - updated 1.08pm
With the continuing adverse weather conditions again today, unfortunately some of the Trust's outpatient appointments have had to be cancelled. These cancellations affect a small number of outpatient appointments at Epsom, The Nelson and Leatherhead hospitals.
It is, however, 'business as usual' for outpatients at both St Helier and Sutton hospitals.
As with some days last week, some further non-urgent planned surgery cases (such as tonsillectomies) have again been postponed today at Epsom Hospital. Doing this allows us to prioritise urgent patients, and those who are brought in as emergencies and we would like to stress that these patients are being treated as normal.
Our clinical teams continue to do everything they can to keep postponements to a minimum and patients affected by any disruption to our services have already been notified. We are obviously monitoring the situation closely, and will make any decisions about postponing further services on a day-to-day basis.
We would like to reassure patients and local residents that we have robust plans in place for the week ahead, should the bad weather continue.
If it is not safe for you to get to hospital or you would like to rearrange your appointment, please call our outpatient appointments centre on 020 8296 2968 to let us know. Alternatively, you can visit our website - www.epsom-sthelier.nhs.uk/appointments.
All of the Trust's hospitals are now busy, having seen an increase in the number of patients attending because of accidents in the icy conditions, seasonal illnesses and chest infections. Because of this, we are encouraging local people to make sure they are accessing the right care from the right service.
Chief Executive Samantha Jones said: "During cold snaps such as this one, more and more people fall ill or have accidents out on the icy roads and pavements. This puts our hospitals under increased pressure, and, as such, we are asking people to only visit our A&E departments if they have suffered a serious injury or accident, or have developed a sudden serious illness or medical condition."
To find out more about how you can access the right care from the right service at the right time, visit our website - www.epsom-sthelier.nhs.uk/choosewell.
