Cold weather alert: Level 3 – cold weather action

January 15, 2024

There is a 90 per cent probability of severe cold weather and icy conditions throughout the rest of this week and into the weekend. Please refer to the Trust’s severe weather plan for appropriate preventive action.

This weather could increase the health risks to vulnerable patients and disrupt the delivery of services. Please refer to the national Cold Weather Plan and your departmental emergency plan for appropriate preventive action.

All areas should have business continuity plans agreed with their staff for cold weather, ice and snow. These should include:

• Working with colleagues regarding their ability to report for work if transport systems are affected
• Agreeing working arrangements for severe weather in advance, including potentially the need for staff to stay overnight

Colleagues are expected to make every reasonable effort to attend work (including using public transport when they wouldn’t normally) providing it is safe to do so.

• If not able to reach their normal base, to attend an alternative base if that is easier to reach.
• To work from home (if applicable and agreed with their manager)
• Colleagues unable to attend work or work from home, to notify their managers ASAP and required to either take the day as annual leave or time in lieu (to be agreed locally).
• Colleagues who are able to walk in but are not rostered to work may be asked to support their work area.  This is not mandatory and will be based on mutual agreement and rescheduling of work duties

Please ensure that all staff contact details are up to date and that you have a plan in place so that you are aware of any issues at departmental level.

The PHE cold weather plan can be accessed by clicking here.