Hospital bulletin affecting out-patient appointments & non urgent operations 06/01/10

A spokesperson for Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals, said: “We regret that because of the heavy snow we are cancelling all outpatients and all non-urgent operations today. Patients do not need to ring in today to check on or rearrange their appointments ? we will contact them in due course.

“We also want to ensure that patients do not feel they have to make unnecessary journeys to our hospitals if their treatment can be postponed until it is safe to travel. This is in line with guidance issued by the Highways Agency to car drivers to stay off the roads unless it is absolutely essential to do so. If travelling by car we would advise patients to ensure their car is fully fuelled, and to pack warm clothes, blankets, food and drink, and take a mobile and in-car phone charger so that friends and relatives can be contacted if you do get stuck.

“In addition, we have been advised by South Central Ambulance Trust that there will be limited non-essential Patient Transport Services available today. Every effort will be made to provide a service to renal dialysis and radiotherapy patients. Patients are advised to liaise with the relative clinical ward for the latest information.

“We are asking staff that are able to come in to still do so, the staff car parks at the John Radcliffe, Churchill and Horton General Hospital are open to all staff who can travel safely. Otherwise, our hospitals remain open, and we will continue to see emergency patients.”