RESILIENT NHS staff from across Wyre Forest and Worcestershire have been lacing up their boots and wading through the snow to reach their vulnerable patients.

Community staff were joined by volunteers to make sure patients who need regular care and support at home were visited, despite up to 12 inches of snow which have fallen in some areas in the last 24 hours.

District nurses in Wyre Forest were out overnight and during normal working hours supporting people with their insulin injections, dressing their wounds and helping administer vital medican. While children's community nurses were also battling the elements to get medical treatment to young people who have serious long-term illnesses.

Some staff worked additional shifts in community hospitals, while others stayed overnight to support their colleagues. Also, members of the community volunteered with their 4x4s to help transport staff in and out of work and on visits to patients in the worst hit areas.

Disruption to patient facing services were minimised with Kidderminster Hospital's Minor Injury Unit remaining open throughout the day on Sunday.

A handful of services, including sexual health drop-in clinics were affected today (Monday, December 11), although again community hospitals and MIUs remained open and avaialable, while community staff were again out and about doing their rounds across the county.

Although the worst of the snowfall is thought to have passed, freezing temperatures are expected to make conditions difficult on Tuesday morning (December 12). Residents are again asked to check weather forecasts regularly, plan their journeys and allow extra time on the roads, as some may not be gritted.

To stay up to date on the Worcestershire Health and Care Trust’s services affected follow the Trust on Twitter (@WorcsHealthCare) or on Facebook (@WorcshealthandcareNHS)