Bad weather forced the minor injuries unit at Sittingbourne's Memorial Hospital to close temporarily today when staff failed to get to the hospital in Bell Road.

But volunteers from South East 4x4 Response rushed to the rescue and ferried medics in to work.

A spokesman for Kent Community Health Foundation Trust said: "We had great support getting our staff into work from South East 4x4 Response, a voluntary organisation that can help in adverse weather conditions and we’re grateful to them.

"We will be monitoring the weather as the day goes on but expect to stay open until our usual closing times. But x-ray at Sittingbourne Memorial Hospital will close at 3pm today.

"We will keep updating our social media channels and website to keep people informed."

It followed a Tweet posted earlier today which said: "Sittingbourne MIU is temporarily closed. No staff can get in at the moment but we're trying to get some 4x4s to pick them up."

Snow also affected health clinics in Sitttingbourne and on the Isle of Sheppey run by Virgin Care.

Spokesman Robert Crawford said: "Due to adverse weather conditions, people are being urged to check before they travel to a clinic or an appointment for adult community services across North Kent."

Confirmed clinic closures today include: phlebotomy (Gravesham and Sittingbourne Community Hospitals); cardiology (Swale); wound medicine centre (Swale); respiratory (Swale) and podiatry (Sittingbourne and Sheppey).

There is a partial clinic open for diabetes (Swale).

The phlebotomy clinics could not guarantee blood samples were being delivered to the laboratories in time.

Mr Crawford said: "Most other clinics and appointments are continuing as normal but some may be closed or have cancellations.

"Patients are advised to call the care coordination centre to confirm status before travelling or check www.northkentacs.nhs.uk for the latest updates."

Swale patients should call 0300 123 4450. Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley patients should call 0300 123 4449 and

Anyone with an appointment which is cancelled today will be contacted by a nurse to ensure they can access support and re-book appointments as soon as possible.

Mr Crawford added: "Community nurses have been ensuring care has been provided for vulnerable patients who are housebound because they are frail, elderly or managing a long-term health condition."

Patients with any concerns should call the customer experience team on 0300 303 9509.