Sudden Snowfall Causes Major Disruption

A sudden snowfall caused major travel disruption for people in many parts of the UK on Boxing Day, with some unfortunate persons having to sleep overnight in their cars whilst others took refuge in nearby churches and homes.

PBCC volunteer teams in Sheffield and Chesterfield received a call from the Northern General Hospital.

Gridlocked Roads

South Yorkshire was no exception! The snow started to fall around 19:00 hours and by 20:00 many roads were gridlocked. This caused a significant and unexpected problem for our treasured National Health Service, and around 21:00, the PBCC volunteer teams in Sheffield and Chesterfield received a call from the Northern General Hospital.

A461 from Sheffield to Chesterfield

A461 from Sheffield to Chesterfield

A big operation was under way, trying to get doctors and nurses either from their homes into hospital, or to patient’s homes where they were unable to leave their houses. The PBCC quickly rallied members with suitable vehicles and headed straight to the Hospital.

This Traffic Warden said he was ok.

This Traffic Warden said he was ok.

On the way to the hospital, further instructions were received to head straight out to the home of a nurse who was needed at a Patients home.  By now a steady stream of instructions were coming from the GP control room and another team was mobilised to cope with the demand and ensure the doctors and nurses to where they were most needed.

Another nurse safely delivered to her destination.

Another nurse safely delivered to her destination.

This continued into the early hours and by 04:00 on the 27th December, the last run of the night had been completed!  The weary teams touched base with the GP control room and were told to get a few hours’ sleep as they would be needed again at 07:00!

Winter wonderland

Winter wonderland

Further trips to assist the hospital with transport of nurses were made throughout the following day and by Sunday, the main roads were becoming clear again.

Operations Manager Dan Osborne from the NHS GP Collaborative commented….

‘It is very much appreciated the selfless, support, care and community spirit the volunteers provided to the out of hour service’

Stranded Family who were rescued by PBCC volunteers shortly after praying for an angel!

Stranded Family who were rescued by PBCC volunteers shortly after praying for an angel!

 

12 thoughts on “Sudden Snowfall Causes Major Disruption”

  1. Neighbour says:

    As a neighbour of one those involved in the action, I heard that more than half the usual team were away visiting friends and relatives because of the holiday, and those that were left decided to work extra hard to make up, and all other plans (including sleep!) were put on hold until the roads became clearer. An awesome example to us all!

  2. joke says:

    good stuff
    keep it up
    I would love some snow
    keep it up

    1. jon says:

      I’d like snow too.

  3. DJ says:

    nice jeep gaz 🙂 🙂

  4. Walter Fletcher says:

    Keep Up The Good Work

  5. Andrew Steyn says:

    They were out in Stamford too:
    https://www.dropbox.com/sh/d3q0zy30ptaew9u/AABGxeEYrCsX06JokMffPxf8a?dl=0
    Such dedication is extremely inspirational!
    Andrew Steyn
    HY3H

    1. jakejohns says:

      Very impressive pictures, Andy.

    2. polly says:

      wow… Stamford’s really getting moving

    3. ll. says:

      yeah – makes a change!

  6. dweeb says:

    3 Cheers For RRT!

  7. Granny says:

    Shows just how versatile the RRT is! Ready for anything at the drop of a hat. Well done all!

  8. Quack says:

    Well done RRT – its ‘snow’ joke!

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