Health

A new laboratory was opened at St Peter's Hospital, Chertsey, on Friday January 15 as part of improvements to cardiology services.

The cardiac catheterisation lab was officially opened by former Ashford and St Peter's cardiology consultant, Professor Michael Joy OBE, along with councillors, deputy Mayor of Runnymede Cllr Margaret Roberts, and hospital staff.

The second lab of its kind at the Chertsey site, it will cut waiting times for emergency treatment for patients who have suffered a major heart attack, and will be the first 24-hour heart attack centre in the South East.

Twins celebrated their second birthday with a special gift to the hospital unit that saved their lives.

Emily and Carys Barnard were born at 25 weeks, Emily weighing just 1lb 11oz and Carys just 1lb 8oz. They were rushed to the neonatal intensive care unit at St Peter's Hospital, Chertsey, where they were cared for and grew into healthy babies.

And last week, the twins returned with their nine-year-old cousin, who took a £440 donation, money she had raised through selling her craft work.

Most services at Ashford and St Peter's Hospitals are running as normal.

Staff at the two sites have been braving the snow and ice to make sure they can get into work anf keep clinics and appointments running as smoothly as possible.

Valerie Howell, chief operating officer, said: "In the event that we do have to cancel an individual clinic or operation, we will contact patients directly. If you haven't heard from us, then we are expecting to see you.

"However, if patients feel that it's not safe to make the journey into hospital, we will of course reschedule their appointment at another time. Please don't put yourself at risk.

"Over the last few days staff at the two hospitals have made a supreme effort to come into work and keep our services going.

"We would like to say a big thank you, both to our staff and to the general public for their co-operation."

Ambulance chiefs have declared a major incident in the wake of heavy snowfall across the area.

Patients are being warned to stay away from Accident and Emergency at St Peter's Hospital, Chertsey, and bosses at South East Coast Ambulance Service are warning people to stay indoors if they can.

Sue Harris, director of operations at SECAM said: "We are prioritising life-threatening calls above all others, and due to the adverse conditions, it is unlikely that we will reach patients with minor injuries and symptoms in worst hit areas.

"We urge people to stay indoors unless it is absolutely necessary. Driving conditions are extremely hazardous and we want to reduce the risk of injury on the roads as much as possible."

Ashford and St Peter's Hospitals have warned the public not to visit A&E unless it is an emergency in the wake of a fortnight of unprecedented levels of activity.

Icy conditions on the roads, coupled with the increased risk of an outbreak of the norovirus in the winter months have put increased strain on hospital staff.

The first babies of the decade were welcomed into the world at St Peter's Hospital on New Year's Day 2010.

Eight babies were delivered by hospital staff who were all keen to ensure that the New Year got off to a successful start.

As Surrey recovers from the traditional festive indulgence, the Surrey Air Ambulance is calling for people to gear up for the British 10k London Run.

The event which is held annually in July offers runners the chance to raise much needed funds for the air ambulance service. A team of staff and fund-raisers took part last year and raised nearly £3,000.

For most people having to work on Christmas Day might not be ideal, but for Louise Higgs it is almost a dream come true!

Louise has had to work and study hard to make her dream a reality. This year December 25th will find her working as a junior midwife on the Labour Ward at St. Peter's Hospital, Chertsey, where she hopes to have the chance to deliver a Christmas Day baby.

A NURSE who gave a patient an overdose of insulin causing her to go into shock faces an anxious wait over the future of his career.

Marcelo Taclaid, 43, has clocked up a long list of professional indiscretions while working at the Runnymede Hospital in Chertsey, since 2005, a court heard last week.

A Woking toddler battling a rare cancer and his mum were praised for their fighting spirit when they appeared on Radio Wey last week.

Little Joshua Deller, who is 17-months-old, and mum Amy, were guests of DJ Stuart Jones at the Radio Wey studios on November 4 based at St Peter's Hospital in Guildford Road, Chertsey.