Most appointments scheduled for tomorrowat Cork city hospitalswill go ahead, HSE South West has confirmed – but several remain cancelled.
The HSE said today that most appointments at Cork University Hospital, Mercy University Hospital and the South Infirmary (Victoria University Hospital) will proceed on Thursday, January 9 – following a number of cancellations in recent days owing to “dangerous travelling conditions” amid the ongoing severe cold spell.
A spokesperson for the HSE explained: “Appointments will go ahead on Thursday at community facilities around the city, East Cork and South Cork.
“However, if you are unable to attend a hospital or community appointment, please contact the local team and you will be offered a new appointment as soon as possible. You will not lose your appointment, so please stay safe at home if travel is risky.”
The service also listed the hospitals that will be operating altered services on Thursday:
- At Mallow Hospital, there will be no in-person appointments; however, some outpatient appointments will be conducted via telemedicine or by telephone. All scheduled theatre procedures for Thursday are cancelled but Endoscopy appointments are going ahead.
- At Bantry Hospital, Endoscopy is cancelled, the Out-patient service is operational in the afternoon and the Medical Assessment Unit is open as usual. Patients will be contacted if there are any cancellations.
The HSE added: “Appointments at community facilities in North Cork will also be affected. Staff will be in touch as soon as possible to reschedule your appointment. Where it is possible and appropriate, staff may offer you a virtual appointment but anyone in doubt should contact the service that made the appointment.”
Cancellations tomorrow include:
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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.
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Dental services will also be closed.
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Day services for older people will not take place on Thursday 9th January.
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School vaccinations will not go ahead on Thursday.
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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.
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Appointments at ICPOP (Integrated Care Programme for Older Persons) and Integrated Care Programme Chronic Diseases will not go ahead.
HSE South West Regional Executive Officer Dr Andy Phillips said: “Our incredible staff are working night and day to keep as many hospital and community services clinics and appointments to schedule. I wish the sincerely thank everyone who is going above and beyond to help this week, including those in the Defence Forces and community organisations who are assisting us, wherever possible.
“We are hopeful that most appointments will go to plan on Thursday; apart from in North and West Cork, where the icy conditions are too dangerous – in places – to ask either staff or patients to travel.
“Please don’t worry if you can’t get to an appointment, I don’t want anyone taking risks and travelling in poor conditions. Let us know as soon as you can and we will quickly reschedule your appointment. Our absolute priority is everyone’s safety; this cold spell will pass and we will get back on track.”