The HSE has issued an update on scheduled appointments at several Cork hospitals during the current bout of severe weather.
The organisation has advised that non-urgent HSE appointments scheduled for Wednesday, January 8, at Bantry and Mallow General hospitals – such as outpatient appointments and other clinical appointments – will not go ahead. Appointments at community facilities in North Cork will also be affected.
The HSE said the decision was taken in light of additional weather warnings issued by Met Éireann. A walk-in youth COVID-19 vaccination clinic planned at St Mary’s Primary Care Centre has also been cancelled.
Those scheduled for appointments at hospitals in Cork city – Cork University Hospital, Mercy University Hospital and the South Infirmary – Victoria University Hospital – will be able to attend as usual.
However, patients have been advised to stay home and notify their healthcare provider if roads in their areas are deemed unsafe. Appointments are also expected to go ahead at community facilities in the south and east of the county.
Staff are contacting patients to inform them about deferred appointments,
HSE South West Regional Executive Officer Dr Andy Phillips said: “It is a difficult but necessary decision to cancel some non-urgent appointments at Bantry and Mallow hospitals and some other community facilities in North Cork for tomorrow (Wednesday).
“The orange weather warning will lead to hazardous travelling conditions for all and the safety of patients and staff is our utmost priority.
“I appreciate that this is disappointing for many patients, but we must concentrate on delivering time-critical services to those who need the most urgent care.
“As with the previous service disruptions on Monday, every effort possible is being made to ensure that staff and those who use our services are kept safe, and that acute and essential services are maintained.
“I want to thank all HSE staff who are making incredible efforts to continue the delivery of key services in very challenging conditions.”
The HSE has provided a handy list of services in North Cork that have been cancelled tomorrow, which you can find below.
- Appointments in community services including physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, community psychology, podiatry, audiology, dietetics, child development clinics and eye care clinics are deferred.
- Dental services will also be closed.
- Day services for older people will not take place on Wednesday 8th January.
- School vaccinations will not go ahead on Wednesday.
- All mental health day services, day hospitals and outpatient services have been cancelled. If any service user has difficulties, is in crisis, or requires urgent assistance, they should make telephone contact with their team, GP, SouthDoc or their local emergency department.
- Appointments at ICPOP (Integrated Care Programme for Older Persons) and Integrated Care Programme Chronic Diseases will not go ahead.
Staff will be in touch as soon as possible to reschedule appointments. Where it is possible and appropriate, staff may offer a virtual appointment. Anyone in doubt should contact the office or person who issued the appointment.