5 January 2010
During winter, hospitals across the country face extra pressure because of accidents in the icy conditions, seasonal illnesses and chest infections. It may also be harder for staff to get to and from work.
That's why the Trust has detailed and robust plans in place to cope with any spells of adverse weather.
In light of the most recent weather warnings from the Met Office, all of our wards and departments are preparing to implement their snow contingency plans (which are officially known as their business continuity plans), if necessary.
The plans are tailored to each department and include extra staff on stand-by, checking travel arrangements for patients booked in for essential appointments as well as making sure staff can get to and from work safely.
Chief Executive, Samantha Jones, said: "During a cold snap such as this one, our priority is to make sure that local people and our staff are safe and well. We need to make sure that patients can access the care that they need, whenever they need it and that our staff can still provide high quality services.
"As a result, we have detailed and well-tested contingency plans in place so that we can cope with any periods of increased pressure. Any disruptions or potential disruptions to our services are immediately escalated and our action plans put in place."
The Trust is working closely with its NHS partners, including the London and South East Coast ambulance services, NHS Surrey, Central Surrey Health and NHS Sutton and Merton to make sure services can continue to run with minimal disruption.
Local people are reminded to use NHS resources carefully. Find out more about how you can access the right care from the right service at the right time.
People are also encouraged to make sure they keep warm and keep well. Every winter in the UK, 25,000 - 30,000 deaths are linked to the cold weather. For more information, visit www.epsom-sthelier.nhs.uk/keepwarm.
Finally, patients are reminded to check our website for regular updates during the adverse weather, follow us on Twitter for the latest news or visit our Facebook page. Should there be any disruption to our services we will post details online to let you know.
