ALL routine surgery and appointments have been cancelled at Musgrove Park Hospital for a second day due to severe weather

A yellow warning is in place for snow and ice is in place across the county until 11.55pm today (March 2). 

A yellow weather warning will then be in place from 12.05am tomorrow (March 3). 

A spokesman for Musgrove Park Hospital, said: "Due to the current weather conditions we have taken the decision to cancel all routine surgery and appointments again today (Friday March 2).

"Please assume your procedure or outpatient appointment is not going ahead today or tomorrow unless we contact you, although even in these cases we’d suggest you only travel to hospital if it is safe to do so."

The spokesman said hospital staff have been struggling to get to work because of the snow but have been helped by 4x4 drivers and farmers with tractors. 

"Our staff continue to go the extra mile to get into the hospital today and we have seen many examples of fantastic community spirit with 4x4 drivers and farmers with tractors helping to take our staff to and from the hospital," the spokesman said. 

"Some of our staff stayed here overnight and many have walked long distances in the snow to get in to ensure we could continue to provide the best possible care to our patients."

The hospital is urging residents to only travel if its absolutely necessary and keep the hospital's emergency department free for people who need it. 

"We also want to repeat our message to people to keep warm and well and only travel if it’s absolutely necessary.

"Please remember to think about your friends and neighbours who may be in need of support during these difficult weather conditions.
"Also, please keep our emergency department (A&E) free for people who really need it.

"Unless it's an emergency, please try your local pharmacy, NHS 111, minor injuries unit or GP practice. Please call ahead to check they are open as normal.

"If you have a relative or friend at hospital please be reassured that they are being cared so please don't take any risk in visiting here today."

Somerset Partnership Foundation Trust has also urged residents to stay safe in their homes. 

"Our focus remains on the health and safety of our patients, visitors and staff. 

"As a consequence, all booked appointments and clinics for Somerset Partnership services have been cancelled today, Friday March 2. 

"Affected patients have been contacted. If you do not hear from us before your booked appointment time, please call the service to check arrangements. 

"Those patients who receive services such as district nursing or community mental health in their own home are being contacted separately.

"We continue to review our patient lists to identify any patients who may need some alternative form of contact or advice instead of their clinic appointment.

"We are planning to run all our minor injury units as usual but due to difficulties in the local areas, Chard MIU opened slightly later. Keep an eye on our website for any updates. "

Musgrove Park Hospital are appealing for NHS workers who can make it to the hospital to contact them. 

Are you an NHS worker (any organisation) and can get in to the hospital to work tonight and tomorrow?

If so, please call 01823 333444 and ask for the Staff Bank.