Health

Most services at Ashford and St Peter's Hospitals are running as normal.

Staff at the two sites have been braving the snow and ice to make sure they can get into work anf keep clinics and appointments running as smoothly as possible.

Valerie Howell, chief operating officer, said: "In the event that we do have to cancel an individual clinic or operation, we will contact patients directly. If you haven't heard from us, then we are expecting to see you.

"However, if patients feel that it's not safe to make the journey into hospital, we will of course reschedule their appointment at another time. Please don't put yourself at risk.

"Over the last few days staff at the two hospitals have made a supreme effort to come into work and keep our services going.

"We would like to say a big thank you, both to our staff and to the general public for their co-operation."

Ambulance chiefs have declared a major incident in the wake of heavy snowfall across the area.

Patients are being warned to stay away from Accident and Emergency at St Peter's Hospital, Chertsey, and bosses at South East Coast Ambulance Service are warning people to stay indoors if they can.

Sue Harris, director of operations at SECAM said: "We are prioritising life-threatening calls above all others, and due to the adverse conditions, it is unlikely that we will reach patients with minor injuries and symptoms in worst hit areas.

"We urge people to stay indoors unless it is absolutely necessary. Driving conditions are extremely hazardous and we want to reduce the risk of injury on the roads as much as possible."

A new scheme is being trialled by Age Concern in partnership with Ashford and St Peter's Hospitals.

The 'courtesy call' service is for frail and older people who are being discharged from hospital and may need information, advice or help to live independently at home.

Hospital staff will refer patients by phoning the service on the day the patient is allowed home, or by giving the patient a booklet of information.

A spokeswoman for Age Concern said: "This new service has been going for a few weeks and has already ensured that many older people have been discharged home with the support they need.

"The relevant Age Concern branch will contact the patient within 48 hours to discuss their needs, provide information, and suggest services or a home visit."

One such service, the Road to Recovery scheme operated in Spelthorne, provides free help for six weeks with chores such as housework and shopping as well as accompanying clients to appointments, while they recover.

For more information, contact either Age Concern Runnymede on 02932 566 040 or Age Concern Spelthorne on 01784 444 200

A woman was dragged from her car on Friday after it flipped onto its roof in Addlestone.

The accident occurred in Spinney Hill, towards Ottershaw, when the driver swerved to avoid an oncoming car and lost control.

Toddlers at Toad Hall Nursery in Brox Road, Ottershaw, will be walking half a mile on August 14 to raise money for children's charity Barnardo's.

The 17 children aged under five and staff will do the walk in fancy dress starting from the nursery as part of The Big Toddle 2008 organised by Barnardo's at nurseries all over the country throughout the summer.

For more information go to www.bigtoddle.co.uk.

Bupa volunteers toiled in the rain on to transform the garden of Meath School for special needs children.

The 40 workers spent time at the Brox Road school redoing the overgrown and previously unused pond area to create a quiet space for children. It will be used for science lessons.

A New Haw aquatics centre staff member will deep clean a 5ft fish tank on a children's ward at St Peter's Hospital on July 16.

Rory Kingerley, 24, a sales assistant from Maindenhead Aquatics in New Haw Road, is preparing to take on the grimy tank so that children will have something nice to look at.

He reckons the job will take about three hours, adding: "Fish tanks are for looking at, it's not nice to look at a brown one. It's about giving the kids something nice to see when they go into hospital."

One of his customers, Byfleet mum-of-two Linda Futcher, suggested he clean the tank as a favour to the hospital. She said: "I think it's really nice of him to sort it out."