In view of the poor weather conditions today (Tuesday 3rd February) St. Mary’s Hospital is advising patients to not worry about attending the hospital today for outpatient appointments. If you can’t get in it’s not a problem and we will automatically rearrange your appointment.

If you were coming in by Hospital transport the patient transport service will contact you if there is any problem with your transport. If you are booked in for day or in-patient surgery please make every attempt to attend the hospital.

The Ambulance Service is experiencing additional demands on its services and is advising older people to stay warm and safe indoors if they can. Do please only telephone 999 if you have a life threatening problem, for example unconsciousness, severe bleeding, chest pain, etc.. The Ambulance Service is prioritising calls and if your call is not life threatening you may be provided with advice on the telephone. More local services, your local GP surgery or pharmacy, may be better placed to assist you. Online advice is available at www.nhs.uk.

Notes for Editors

For further information: Contact the NHS Isle of Wight communications team on 01983 534184 or 552003. Further information about health services can be found at www.iow.nhs.uk or www.nhs.uk.