HSE cancels Cork medical appointments today due to weather

Cork University Maternity Hospital (CUMH) has advised that today, Monday 6 January, maternity appointments will proceed as scheduled, but gynaecology appointments at both CUMH and the Lee Clinic are cancelled and will be rescheduled.

Patients awaiting urgent gynaecology appointments will be contacted directly by the hospital. Anyone who is unable to attend or has any further queries, should contact CUMH at 021 4920500.

"CUMH staff wish to thank patients and the public for their cooperation," a spokesperson for the hospital said.

Earlier

Medical appointments for today have been cancelled across Cork’s six hospitals, as well as community-based mental health services, services for older people, physiotherapy, speech and language/occupational therapy, dental and eye care services.

HSE South West advised that all non-urgent appointments such as outpatient appointments and other clinical appointments in Cork HSE services will be cancelled today, Monday 6 January.

The cancellations are due to the ongoing adverse weather leading to difficult travelling conditions, as the HSE said the decision has been made to ensure safety of both patients and staff, and that staff are prioritising service delivery for vulnerable patients and those with acute care needs.

On Monday, all non-urgent appointments at CUH, South Infirmary Victoria Hospital, Mercy University Hospital, Bantry Hospital and Mallow Hospital will not go ahead.

At Cork University Maternity Hospital, all gynaecology outpatient appointments are not going ahead. However, antenatal appointments are going ahead, which means that any expectant mother with an appointment should attend, they are asked to please contact the CUMH directly if they have any questions.

HSE staff will contact patients with urgent appointments such as dialysis and chemotherapy to make arrangements.

The impact on services also includes appointments in community services including physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, community psychology, podiatry, dietetics, child development clinics and eye care clinics, all of which are deferred.

Dental services will also be closed, day services for older people will not take place and appointments at ICPOP (Integrated Care Programme for Older Persons) and Integrated Care Programme Chronic Diseases will not go ahead.

Additionally, all mental health day services, day hospitals and outpatient services have been cancelled. 

The HSE advised: “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.

"In view dangerous travelling conditions for patients and staff, we ask the public not to travel to these appointments on Monday.

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. Anyone in doubt should contact the office or person who issued the appointment."

HSE South West Regional Executive Officer Dr Andy Phillips said: “This decision has been made to ensure safety of both patients and staff. HSE staff are prioritising service delivery for vulnerable patients and those with acute care needs.

“Staff are making transport arrangements for patients to get to vital appointments such as dialysis and urgent cancer care appointments.” 

He added: “Every effort possible is being made to ensure that staff and those who use our services are kept safe, and that essential services are maintained. We have the support of voluntary and community agencies in getting staff to work, and we thank them for their support.” 

The HSE advised that they will issue a further update today.