Volunteers were drafted in to help NHS health and social care staff across Lanarkshire as winter illness and bad weather pushed the health service to breaking point.

Staff across NHS Lanarkshire, Health and Social Care North Lanarkshire, and South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership saw pressure on services skyrocket due to the deadly ‘Aussie flu’ and injuries caused by icy conditions.

As most of Scotland became gripped by the freezing Arctic blast and heavy snow showers last week, staff failed to get to their workplaces and some had to be taken to visit patients by volunteer 4x4 drivers.

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NHS Lanarkshire chief executive Calum Campbell said he had written to the chief executives of North and South Lanarkshire Councils to acknowledge the work of the two health and social care partnerships through the winter health challenges.

Charity Lifesavers Scotland, which normally takes donor organs and everyday equipment to NHS Lanarkshire hospitals, also stepped in to help staff to travel in the bad weather.

NHS Lanarkshire chair Neena Mahal said: “When the heavy snow arrived, several staff answered our call for owners of 4x4 cars to volunteer to drive colleagues to see patients.

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“We also had 4x4s provided by volunteers from the Strathclyde 4x4 Response Group and Lifesavers Scotland.

“Meanwhile, a large number of GP practices have been opening on Saturdays this month and will do so again this weekend (January 27).

“I’d like to pay tribute to everyone involved in helping in these different ways.”

As the challenge of winter continues, NHS Lanarkshire is encouraging the public to keep an eye out for older family members, friends and neighbours to ensure they stay well.

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Some older people can feel vulnerable and alone at this time of year and don’t want to venture out.

Therefore, the public can help by checking on older or vulnerable neighbours, offering to pick up some shopping for them, and even helping to de-ice their pathways.