Hospital staff praised for braving weather
Thousands of staff at the N&N University hospital have been thanked by bosses for their efforts to get into work today, despite the snow. Many left for work early, while others left their cars at home and walked.
Chairman David Prior said; “It has been very striking just how many staff have made every effort to get to our hospitals in order to maintain services for our patients. Our staff deserve our sincere thanks for going the extra mile in this morning’s appalling weather.”
Hundreds of children woke up to a day off school because of the wintry conditions. Almost every school in south Norwich shut for the day, and as the cold spell sets in, could remain closed tomorrow. Texting started early as pupils arranged mass snowball fights.
Complaints have lead to an urgent review of pavement gritting. A system of “volunteer gritbox wardens” is to start. Green councillor for Nelson, Andrew Boswell said: ”Pavement gritting needs to be taken much more seriously. We need an urgent response to this problem to make our roads and paths safer for people to get round in these difficult weather conditions.
Councillors have called for more community spirit, asking residents, businesses and shopkeepers to do their part to keep pavements clear. They say many people are relucant to lend a hand because of unfounded worries that they would be liable if someone slipped and fell. 
The number of patients being treated for fractures at the Norfolk and Norwich University hospital has doubled since Christmas.
The freezing conditions are set to continue into next week, according to the Met Office, with further snow and widespread ice expected across the East.
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