Norfolk Community Health and Care chief executive Michael Scott. Photo by Simon Finlay

Health staff who have toiled through the snowy weather to deliver vital care to patients have been hailed as “snow angels” by NHS trust bosses.

Workers at Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust have been praised for their hard work, which has meant disruption for patients caused by the snow and ice has been kept to a minimum.

Staff have stepped in to support colleagues in caring for patients, offered to change shifts, helped colleagues get around the county, and visited patients in their local area.

NCH&C deliver a range of NHS services including community nursing, therapies, rehabilitation services, palliative care and children’s health services. The majority are provided within the community, in settings such as local clinics, community hospitals, and even people’s own homes.

Michael Scott, chief executive of NCH&C, said: “Many of our patients have limited mobility and some are quite vulnerable, so it is absolutely imperative that they can continue to access our services during this cold snap.

“I would like to pay tribute to all our staff as it is because of their determination and spirit that patients have continued to be able to access the care they need. I am immensely proud of our colleagues: they truly are snow angels!”

Staff who have been unable to get to their usual workplace have been redeployed at units nearer their homes to treat patients, nurses have been carrying out checks on people in their own village to make sure they don’t go without their appointments, while others workers have called in to offer to cover others’ shifts.