Planning is already underway for local community health and social care staff to reach their patients in all weathers, including heavy snowfall and flooding across the Bath area.
Although bosses at Sirona care & health are hoping that the region won’t see a repeat of previous years, they have to be prepared.
Felicity Hudd, Emergency Planning Officer, said: “We have to be ready for all weathers. We need to ensure staff can get to those who are the most vulnerable in our care and we are prepared for the additional demand on our services.”
The vehicles will be based at St Martin’s Hospital in Bath, Paulton Memorial Hospital and Thornbury Hospital.
Sirona are appealing for people with 4×4 experience, with driving in extreme or challenging weather conditions to volunteer to help.
Felicity continued: “In major incidents and during extreme weather, volunteers can play a significant role in supporting the work of emergency responders, enabling us to reach people who really need our care.
“By being a 4×4 driver you will be supporting your own communities and those vulnerable residents that may need extra help during a time of need.
“In addition to this crucial support, by becoming a 4×4 Volunteer driver you can also help to support your own community.
“It is difficult to say exactly how much time you’ll need to give up to the cause, but volunteers will be asked to come and help during times of critical need such as extreme weather.
“If we have another winter, with a repeat of the extreme ice and snow conditions like we have experienced recently we will really need and value the tremendous support our volunteers and communities give us.
“It is also when drivers will be helping out those in need and transporting our critical staff to various locations to provide care for vulnerable members of our community.
“All volunteers will be required to go through a checking process, have a clean driving licence, have C1 on their licence and have at least three years driving experience.
“You will need to be available to help out at short notice and possibly at different times of the day according to the need.
In the event of bad weather, the Sirona website will be updated regularly – www.sirona-cic.org.uk as well as its social media channels facebook.com/sironacareandhealth @sironacic.
Anyone interested in the scheme who would like more details or would like to express an interest in registering should e-mail: [email protected]
