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In East Kent, minor injury units have seen a 40 per cent increase in attendances since the snowfall.
 

There has been a surge in numbers of patients suffering from broken bones and respiratory problems causing long delays at accident and emergency wards.

And the South East Coast Ambulance Service, which covers Kent, Surrey, East Sussex and West Sussex, said that it had enlisted the help of the Red Cross and St John's Ambulance volunteers to reach seriously ill patients.
A spokesman said: "We saw a 37 per cent increase in calls during the worst of the snow. Things improved over the weekend but we are monitoring the situation closely and have plans in places should the situation deteriorate again."

People with complaints that are not life-threatening are being advised to think twice before calling 999, and consult their GP or call NHS Direct if symptoms are not severe