Injuries on the up as snow takes hold

THE NUMBERS of people suffering injuries and respiratory problems took a huge leap this week as the East End faced freezing temperatures.

The Royal London hospital described its A&E department as “very busy” well into the week as temperatures dropped into the minus teens.

Staff were keeping apace of the extra admissions but advised those with non emergency issues to contact their GP or NHS Direct.

A spokeswoman from the Whitechapel Road site said: “Our A&E department has been extremely busy over the last week, with an increase in snow and ice-related injuries as well as a rise in patients with respiratory conditions associated with the cold.

“Thanks to the concerted efforts of all our staff, we are managing to keep pace with the increased winter workload. However, in order for us to continue to do so, we would remind everyone that A&E is for emergency cases only and that all other patients should seek treatment from their GP or NHS Direct.”

Meanwhile, transport networks seem to be back to normal.

After severe delays on the Central Line and minor disruptions on the Circle, District and Hammersmith and City Lines yesterday, services fared better today.

One school in Tower Hamlets was closed yesterday but none are today.

Meals on Wheels has been running as normal.

A council spokesperson said: “All meals were delivered. Inevitably, due to the icy roads and the need to drive carefully, there were delays to the service.”

The council added that staff were “well prepared” to deal with the icy conditions and made sure major roads were gritted.