A HOSPITAL chief has thanked staff and volunteers who kept services running while heavy snow caused chaos in Basingstoke.

Hampshire Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs Basingstoke hospital, yesterday (Friday) asked staff living nearby to come into work as their colleagues were stuck on the town’s gridlocked roads.

Volunteers also showed community spirit by helping a stuck ambulance and supporting staff who needed to get to the hospital.

Chief nurse Julie Dawes said: “Thank you to all our staff, volunteers and partners who have worked so hard to keep our services running and our patients safe.

“Staff have slept in the hospital overnight and have done everything possible in very difficult circumstances.

“The conditions are still difficult, particularly the roads around Basingstoke hospital and so we would urge people not to come into A&E themselves and to call 111.

“This will help keep access clear for ambulances. We appealed to staff to come in if they were able to safely and we are hugely grateful for all our staff’s fantastic efforts.

“We are also grateful to our partners and volunteers who have helped us with 4×4 drivers to help get staff in and patients’ home.

“We would ask anyone who has an appointment on Monday to attend as planned, unless you are contacted.”