With the snow now disappearing across the area, the RUH are taking the opportunity to thank their staff, volunteers and the community for ensuring patients were still able to get their care they needed.
Staff battled the elements to keep things running as smoothly as possible at the various RUH sites – walking miles in the snow, digging out their vehicles and staying in overnight accommodation.
James Scott, Chief Executive said: “A huge thank you to our staff and members of the community, who despite the freezing conditions went above and beyond to ensure that we could maintain a safe and professional service to our patients.
“The dedication shown by our staff was outstanding with one staff member leaving at 3am to walk from Bristol to Bath to make sure she could be in the Cardiology department on time.
“After Avon & Somerset Police warned people not to travel unless absolutely necessary, some nurses and consultants slept on-site accommodation after their late shift, to cover any staff that couldn’t reach the hospital due to travel advice.”
RUH teams also came together to support each other to provide accommodation, food and transport. Along with F.A.S.T Ambulance, a medical and ambulance service, they drove several vulnerable patients from their homes to the Bath Satellite Dialysis Unit at the RUH and back again to ensure they could receive treatment.
Staff from across the organisation stepped in to provide support in a range of ways, whether helping the Estates and Facilities team to clear and grit the paths around the hospital, or manning the phones to arrange transport and accommodation.
A Friends of the RUH volunteer made it in to keep the shop open and provide drinks, snacks and toiletries for patients, staff and visitors.
The RUH also provided rooms for staff nearby at the Francis Hotel and Holiday Inn.
In a statement from the RUH, they continued: “Special thanks to the Apex City of Bath Hotel, which was able to accommodate a group of our nurses at short notice. Despite arriving late at night, our staff received a really warm welcome.
“Apex staff opened the kitchen so everyone could have something to eat and our nurses were well looked after.
“The generosity of the community was overwhelming – our call for 4×4 drivers to help staff get to and from work went viral. The phone didn’t stop ringing after we put the post out with drivers offering to help.
“Natural Spa Factory husband and wife team Emma Webber and Jeremy Smith were some of the volunteers, who saw our social media posts and wanted to give something back to the community.
“Emma and Jeremy organised a fleet of 4×4’s to help with those needing transport. People from the area also came to the RUH with their shovels in hand to help clear snow from the main entrance and Emergency Department.”
Mr Scott added: “I also want to thank all those who volunteered to bring our staff to work and then take them home again.
“We had lots of offers and we’re so grateful to them. This week staff have really lived our values and the community spirit has been amazing to see, which I’ve been so impressed with. Thank you.”
