VOLUNTEERS have been running a fleet of 4×4 vehicles to help safely transport staff to and from Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary amid severe weather conditions.
Members of HM Coastguard, Nith Inshore Rescue and Ae 4×4 arrived at the hospital in Dumfries yesterday afternoon as part of contingency plans to deal with the ongoing snowfall affecting driving conditions, with eight Blood Bikes 4×4 vehicles also on standby.
On-Call General Manager Linda Williamson said: “We’re extremely grateful for the incredible support provided by these volunteers, helping us to ensure services continue running as normally as possible in very bad weather conditions.
“Our staff are very committed to their roles, so I speak on behalf of them when I thank all these volunteers for helping those facing the most challenging journeys to get to and from their work.
“The 4×4 fleet has been one aspect of the contingency plans put in place, which has also included encouraging staff living in rural areas to consider staying with friends and family closer to their workplace, and providing accommodation within the hospital for staff not wishing to take on a journey.
“The weather situation continues to be very closely monitored, with regular meetings taking place to assess the situation and advice being taken from the Met Office. And planning is in place to ensure ongoing delivery of supplies from outwith the region.”
A small number of non-emergency, elective surgeries within the region were postponed yesterday due to the bad weather, and a small number of clinics cancelled.
Mrs Williamson said: “Otherwise, services continue to run as normal. However, we may experience some delays, so would ask everyone to continue demonstrating patience and understanding.”
