KIND-HEARTED 4x4 drivers are being called to help bring staff into work at Black Country hospitals.

Bosses at Rowley Regis and Russells Hall Hospitals have made the call following the heavy snowfall which is crippling the region’s roads.

The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust has asked volunteers to get in touch via its switchboard on 01384 456111, using extension number 3168, if they can help with transport to Russells Hall.

As well as urging drivers to help out, Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust is also giving extra blankets to hand out to Rowley Regis Hospital patients, while additional nursing teams are on standby to support wards, emergency departments and other clinical areas.

Caroline Rennalls, head of operations and resilience management at the Sandwell trust, said: “We have well-tested plans in place to deal with issues we may face due to bad weather.

“Patient care is our priority, and we want to ensure that the hospitals are run safely and efficiently, so that we can continue treating our patients throughout any bad weather.”

Anyone who drives a 4x4 and wants to help out at Rowley Regis Hospital should email swbh.volunteers@nhs.net.