Hospitals in Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells have been dealing with unprecedented numbers of very sick patients, during the cold snap.

Most patients were suffering from respiratory illnesses.

Maidstone, Pembury and the Kent and Sussex Hospital, Tunbridge Wells, have also witnessed high levels of staff sickness cause by flu and other virus infections.

A spokesman said: “In common with other hospitals across the country we have been coping with huge pressures, particularly on our emergency services, over the past few weeks.

“Our staff have been working tirelessly, with colleagues in the primary care trust to ensure all patients have a safe, timely discharge from hospital, or are cared for at home if that is appropriate.”

Increased cases of respiratory illnesses have also been witnessed by staff at Maidstone’s Age Concern Centre in Mill Street.

Chief executive Paul Coles said: “I would say we have seen a 10-15 per cent increase in clients in hospital with chest infections, than this time last year. A lot of people were suffering before Christmas. It has also affected our volunteers too.”

So far no wards at hospitals run by the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust have had to be closed due to Norovirus, also known as the winter vomiting bug.

The trust spokesman added: “We continue to care for patients with an infectious disease in isolation from other patients to prevent any risk of infections spreading to others.”

• For pictures of Maidstone covered in snow click here.