The North East Lincolnshire Case Trust is pleading with the public to help them transport crucial medical staff to hospitals throughout Grimsby, reports Nursing Times.

The adverse weather conditions are stopping some medical staff from travelling into work, and as such, the trust is appealing to those with 4x4 vehicles to help them plough through the snow. A representative for the trust said "We need to transport nurses who are stuck in their homes to work at hospital, and would like to appeal to members of the public and NHS staff who own 4x4 vehicles to come to the hospital reception, where they will be co-ordinated to collect nurses and bring them into work."

"This method has been used once before in bad weather, and some very kind-hearted local people turned out to help." Most health services throughout the area are operating at half-capacity, with those working in nurse manager jobs and other important roles, struggling to get in.

The representative, Sarah Mainprize, said "Until the daytime nursing staff arrive, we cannot let the night teams go. Obviously this is not ideal, and we hope that if enough kind-hearted people come forward, we can prevent a major problem at the hospital," reports The Grimsby Telegraph.

Hospitals and GP surgeries in the area are urging local residents only to seek medical advice or support if it is an emergency they cannot treat themselves at home. Rural roads in and around the area have been particularly badly affected, especially within the north of Lincolnshire, and in a lot of places where the roads are clearer, visibility is especially poor.