People are being reminded to take extra care as the severe winter weather continues and fresh snow and ice take hold.
With further snowfall, hazardously icy conditions and freezing temperatures, Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust is urging people to keep themselves and others safe when on their way to work and school on Monday (21 January 2013).
The Trust says that with more snow and ice on the ground, they are expecting a marked increase in weather-related slips, trips and falls and road traffic collisions during Monday’s rush-hour – all of which will put additional pressure on their service.
David Williams, Deputy Director of Operations, said:
The plans we have in place are helping to ensure that we can operate effectively in the adverse conditions but ask that members of the public continue to use the service wisely. We don’t want to deter people from calling us in serious cases such as heart attack, breathing difficulties or stroke for example and please be reassured that we are focusing our efforts on reaching patients with life-threatening illnesses and serious injuries as a priority.
Our staff are working extremely hard to get to people who call upon us for help as quickly and as safely as possible but understandably hazardous driving conditions may lead to extended drive-times meaning it might take us a little longer than normal to reach patients in the worst-hit areas.
Please take extra care when out driving or walking and where possible avoid travelling at all in icy or snowy conditions. If you do have to go out, ensure that you wear appropriate footwear and warm clothing.
Non-emergency Patient Transport Service
The Trust is planning to run its non-emergency Patient Transport Service, which takes eligible patients to and from hospital appointments, as normal on Monday (21 January 2013). However, this is subject to regular review and may change in those areas particularly badly affected by the wintery weather. We will issue further updates on this as necessary.
Any patients who decide that they do not wish to travel to their appointments and have transport booked with Yorkshire Ambulance Service are asked to call the cancellation line, tel: 0330 333 9970.
