Army Provides Emergency Transportation To NHS Staff In Scotland

Scotland-based soldiers are deploying tonight to transport NHS Scotland staff to and from Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and the Western General.

Soldiers from 3 Rifles and 2 Scots, based in Dreghorn Barracks and Penicuik, deployed from 1800hrs on Thursday.

Their support will enable the movement of critical staff over their shift change periods whilst the extreme weather conditions continue to impede travel across Scotland. 

The troops will deploy in Defence and commercially provided four wheel drive vehicles to transport the hospital staff.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said:

“Our Armed Forces stand ready to help as Britain is hit by severe weather.

"We’ve already seen the RAF helping doctors and nurses get to some of the most vulnerable people.

"Our service personnel are showing great dedication and a spirited sense of duty as they support local authorities and keep people safe.”

NHS Scotland are facing a potentially critical situation because of the impact on weather conditions has had on their staff’s ability to move to and from work. 

It is particularly vital that shift staff can get home to rest in order to return the following day. 

Snowfalls during the last 24 hours have made many routes impassable with normal transport, all public transport has been cancelled and more snow is forecast.

As the weather warnings continue across Scotland, NHS Scotland are finding it increasingly difficult to transport staff and personnel with life threatening conditions to and from hospitals.

The Ministry of Defence has already responded to another assistance request from the civil authorities in Lincolnshire.