Useful Info

Radio presenters based at St Peter's Hospital station in Chertsey are up for national awards.

Three radio presenters have been shortlisted for awards at the National Hospital Radio Awards ceremony which will be held on Saturday March 27 as part of the Hospital Broadcasting Association (HBA) Conference at Renfrew near Glasgow.

Those on the shortlist are all volunteers at the Guildford Road radio station currently awaiting an OFCOM decision on FM broadcasting.

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."

Services at Runnymede Council have had to be cut due to the snow sweeping across the borough.

Staffing levels at the authority are down to 70% and some services are having to be temporarily cut while the bad weather is here.

Refuse collections, kerbside recycling and garden waste collections have been suspended, and as has the Dial-a-Ride transport to day centres.

But the meals on wheels service is still running using 4x4 vehicles from the council's depots and day centres are open to provide meals.

A spokeswoman for Runnymede Council said: "Road and weather conditions will be reviewed early Thursday morning, when a decision will be made regarding Thursday's refuse collections.

"Contact will be made with the users of the Dial-a-Ride service when it is resumed.

"The snow is due to get worse so we may have to let some staff who have travelled long distances leave early, so there will be a slightly reduced service from 3pm.

"Due to the current weather conditions and expected minus temperatures tonight, both leisure centres will be closing early tonight at 6pm."

Council chiefs will assess the services again when they have seen what the weather is like on Thursday January 7.

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."

Christ Church in Ottershaw is appealing for shoe boxes filled with small gifts, ready to be sent to Romanian children in time for Christmas.

Leaflets are available in the parish centre in Guildford Road, or for more information, call Phoebe Taylor on 01932 872 136.

An ambulance on an emergency call overturned by the McLaren roundabout on Saturday lunchtime.

Paramedics were on their way to back up another ambulance called to an accident in Woking.

As they travelled along Chertsey Road, the ambulance overturned, but no one was injured.

Another ambulance was scrambled to the emergency.

Runnymede Dolphins are looking for a new volunteer secretary.

The group which runs swimming sessions at Woking's pool in the park, in Kingfield Road for the disabled of Runnymede and Woking are searching for a volunteer who is computer literate and can attend at least six yearly meetings.

For more information please contact Jenny on 01932 571122.

The winner of the Woking and Sam Beare Hospices car raffle was able to pick out her car on Monday (17).

Sally Walker of Woking, walked away from Trident Honda in Guildford Road, Ottershaw with a new Honda Civic hatchback, worth £15,000.

Looking for the address, phone, or website of an Ottershaw school?