Going the Extra Mile: Our Nurses Who Walked Through the Snow

When snowstorms swept across England, Scotland, and Wales, many medicine deliveries and nursing visits faced serious challenges. Roads were blocked, cars abandoned, and severe weather warnings made travel risky.

But for our HealthNet nurses, patient care doesn’t stop when the weather turns. While some delays are unavoidable, we do everything we can to keep your care on track.

Against the severe weather warnings, they laced up their boots and walked through the snow to ensure patients received the care they needed. Their resilience and dedication truly embody what healthcare is all about.

To celebrate these incredible efforts, we spoke to some of the nurses – Erica Gould and Mark Hicks– who went above and beyond.

A Snowstorm Challenge

When asked why they chose to walk rather than cancel visits, Erica explained:

“I could see that there was a lot of snow in the road and many cars were abandoned at the base of the hill. I parked my car and walked up to the patient’s house because I was concerned that I’d get stuck if I tried to drive.”

Mark shared a similar determination:

“The patient lived 15 minutes away and works shifts, so I knew he might have limited availability. I felt that if I took my time, I could make sure he received his treatment.”

Both nurses took it in their stride, shovelling snow off their own drives, gritting paths, and carrying essential nursing kits through icy conditions. Erica packed blankets, a shovel, hot drinks, and extra clothing, while Mark prepared screen wash, grit, and safety equipment to ensure he could reach his patients safely.

Impact on Patients

The effort didn’t go unnoticed,

“Each patient was extremely grateful they could still have a nurse visit,” Erica said, “One patient had even abandoned his car at the bottom of the hill too.”

Mark added:

“Both patients were very appreciative of the service and the communication beforehand.”

Every visit matters, and each patient’s circumstances are unique, making rescheduling more than just inconvenient; it can be deeply disruptive. For Erica’s second patient, who belongs to a rare disease group, the infusion treatment was scheduled on her only day off work. Missing that appointment would have meant taking additional time away from her job. Meanwhile, Mark’s patient had already postponed treatment for two weeks due to holidays and work commitments, so ensuring this visit went ahead was crucial.

What Nursing Truly Means

When asked how they felt about going above and beyond, Erica’s response was simple:

“It didn’t really occur to me – nursing is what I do. I have always gone to whatever lengths needed to get to work. I think that’s just what being a nurse is.”

Mark reflected:

“At the heart of it, this is why I came into nursing – to impact patient care in a positive way. Feeling valued and supported encourages us to keep delivering high-quality care.”

Both nurses highlighted the strong values of HealthNet: compassion, dedication, and teamwork. Even in unprecedented situations, they felt respected and supported – a culture that benefits both staff and patients.

Why It Matters: The Bigger Picture of Care

When severe weather strikes, healthcare doesn’t pause (and neither do our nurses).

By heading through snow and icy conditions to reach patients, they ensured that vital treatments were delivered on time, by safeguarding health and wellbeing when it mattered most. For many patients, these visits are essential for managing life-changing conditions and preventing complications.

These extraordinary efforts remind us that healthcare is built on trust, resilience, and an unwavering promise to put people first.

Celebrating Our Healthcare Heroes

Acts of dedication like this deserve more than acknowledgment – they deserve celebration.

At HealthNet, we are incredibly proud of our team. Their actions set the standard for what true care looks like.

In 2025, we completed over 55,000 home visits and nearly 9,000 virtual appointments, helping patients to receive and administer their treatments safely and confidently in the comfort of their own homes. If you’d like to learn more about our nursing services, click here.