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Jan
What response did Harrogate hospital's appeal for snow help get?
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Local residents helped 16 snowed-in NHS workers get to work at Harrogate and District Hospital on Sunday (January 5).
Heavy snow fell across the Harrogate district on Saturday night (January 4) and Sunday, reaching depths of 16 inches at Greenhow Hill – the highest point in the district.
The adverse weather caused major disruption to public transport and people were urged not to travel, meaning some NHS workers were left unable to get to work.
Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust issued an appeal on Sunday urging people with 4x4 cars to assist with getting staff to work.
The trust said its appeal generated a “huge response”, adding:
For the time being, we no longer need any further offers of help. We really appreciate everyone’s swift response to our request. It is heartening to know that there are so many people out there that are happy to help.
The trust yesterday told the Stray Ferret more than 40 members of the public offered to help staff.
Their help meant 16 members of staff, who had been snowed in, were able to get to work at Harrogate District Hospital.
Russell Nightingale, chief operating officer at the trust, said:
I would personally like to thank the owners of the 4x4 and snow-friendly vehicles who helped some of our staff who were struggling to get to work due to the heavy snowfall.
We had an amazing response to our request for assistance. We were able to maintain our key services at Harrogate District Hospital, such as our emergency department and continue to provide the high levels of care our patients expect.
We are grateful to those people who came forward so quickly with offers of help. It is heartening to know that there were so many people prepared to help in such atrocious conditions.
Snow recap
The heavy snowfall continued to cause major disruption across the local area yesterday.
Many schools closed, buses were suspended, and flights were affected by the weather.
The Stray Ferret published live blogs on Sunday and Monday, which brought readers regular updates on conditions.
You can also find a gallery featuring some fantastic photos of the snow here.
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