EXTREME weather conditions have forced health chiefs in South Devon to cancel all outpatient appointments and day surgery today and tomorrow (Friday).

Torbay and South Devon NHS Trust is using its fleet of 4x4 vehicles to help transport staff to and from work, as well as visiting people in urgent need of treatment in their homes and communities.

And bosses have even appealed to anyone with such vehicles to contact them on 01803. 656269 to volunteer as support for the affected service.

Other plans to overcome the handicap of bad weather include asking clinical staff, unable to get to work, to try reporting to their nearest hospital for duty.

Liz Davenport, interim chief executive of the Trust, said: ’This level of winter weather warning is unprecedented for Devon. It’s important that we all take responsibility for staying safe.’

She thanked all those who had rallied to the cause to keep vital services running.