Sir – I am writing on behalf of the patients and staff of Chipping Norton Community Hospital to extend our grateful thanks to all the members of the community who assisted the team to keep the hospital running in the recent inclement weather.

We are especially grateful to the drivers of the 4x4 vehicles who collected staff at all times of the day from some difficult to reach locations. Also to the people who helped to dig an access to the hospital and kept it open over the ten days of snow.

We would also like to thank the health care professionals who came in to offer assistance with the care of the patients when they could not get to their usual place of work. Our hardworking team would have struggled to manage at times without their help. Once again thank you to everyone who helped in whatever way they could.

Sandra Allen, Unit manager, Community Health Oxfordshire, Chipping Norton Community Hospital