Health bosses at Medway Hospital have decided to cancel planned operations due to the difficult weather conditions.

The trust is attempting to contact patients who's appointments have been cancelled.

Lesley Dwyer, chief executive of the trust said:“We’re already seeing increasing numbers of non-attendees to outpatient appointments as the weather is discouraging patients from coming in.

"With the difficulties in travelling, school closures and similar issues also having an impact on our staffing levels, we have taken the decision to cancel some of our non-urgent planned operations and outpatient appointments to ensure we can deploy our staff where they are needed most.”

Emergency and urgent care are being carried out as normal and treatment for cancer patients and other urgent cases will carry on as normal.

Patients who have not heard from the hospital should still attend and call the hotline 01634 817032 for any queries about appointments.

The trust is also asking visitors to avoid driving to the hospital as staff who normally use public transport have taken up extra spaces.

Visitors can attend as normal but should avoid parking on site.

Also, consider if you need to go to hospital or if you can be treated at your local GP or chemist. Call 111 and they will be able to advise you on the best treatment.