The chief executive of two of Somerset’s biggest health organisations has praised staff and members of the community for tremendous work over the last couple of days.

The snow caused havoc across Somerset including at hospitals and home care services which led to some routine appointments being cancelled.

But staff at Musgrove Park Hospital and Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the county’s community hospitals, mental health and learning disabilities services came together to make sure patients continued to get the best care and treatment. 

Peter Lewis, chief executive of Musgrove Park Hospital and Somerset Partnership said he was proud how staff had dealt with the difficult weather.

He said: “We have been overwhelmed by the efforts of our staff and members of the local community over the past few days.

“We have heard so many great stories about colleagues who came into work on their days off, who swapped shifts and who walked miles in the snow to get to work or to visit patients in hospitals, mental health wards, in clinics and on home visits.

“It is only because of their phenomenal efforts and support that we have been able to maintain quality patient care during this difficult time."

Mr Lewis said this has been significantly helped by the countless 4x4 drivers from across Somerser who helped ferry staff into work and around the county to visit patients at home.

“It has been a very challenging time for our services and we are still extremely busy but our work has been made easier thanks to the dedication of our staff and the support and understanding of the community so I want to thank them all," Mr Lewis said.

“Things are slowly returning to normal and patients should attend their appointments as normal unless contacted to say otherwise.

“We would also remind members of the public to please think carefully and choose the right service such as visiting a pharmacy or visiting one of the county’s seven minor injuries units.”