EXTRA beds are being laid on for staff at Harefield Hospital to stay overnight to spare them from treacherous journeys to and from the hospital.

The snowy conditions and icy roads has meant longer travelling times for staff, many of who work from further afield and have to travel by motorway to access the famous heart hospital on Hill End Road, Harefield.

The 'snow beds' are seen as the perfect solution to alleviate worries among staff, and allow them to concentrate on their potentially life-saving work.

Due to the nature of Harefield's location, the long country roads and hills also makes accessing the village more hazardous.

Apart from the extra beds, the hospital insist it is very much a case of business as usual, with preparation for the extreme weather coming in handy.

A Harefield Hospital spokesperson, said: "Services at Harefield Hospital are running as normal. We plan carefully for adverse weather conditions and our staff, in line with NHS staff everywhere, put great effort into getting to work whatever the conditions, so we are coping well.

"Accommodation is available for those who wish to stay overnight if necessary."