HSE confirms all appointments scheduled for Cork on Friday will go ahead as planned

Following the latest weather advice from Met Éireann, the Health Service Executive (HSE) has confirmed that all appointments scheduled in Cork for tomorrow, Friday January 10 will be going ahead.

Appointments scheduled to take place in Cork University Hospital, Cork University Maternity Hospital, Mercy University Hospital, the South Infirmary – Victoria University Hospital, Mallow General Hospital and Bantry General Hospital will now go ahead as planned. 

Appointments also will also go ahead on Friday in Cork at community facilities.

However, the HSE is advising patients not to travel unless it is absolutely safe to do so. 

If someone is unable to attend a hospital or community appointment, patients are advised to contact the local team and you will be offered a new appointment as soon as possible.

Dedicated staff 

“I would like to sincerely thank our dedicated staff, who have been working hard throughout this period of very difficult weather conditions. It is with thanks to them that we can resume all non-urgent and outpatient services throughout Cork again,” the HSE South West Regional executive officer Dr Andy Phillips said.

“We are also extremely grateful to the Defence Forces, and the community and voluntary services that have stood up and have gone to extraordinary measures to ensure our communities are safe and healthy.

“Although our services will resume as normal tomorrow, I must ask that people exercise extreme caution when travelling to their appointments. I don’t want anyone taking risks and travelling in poor conditions. If you can’t attend your appointment, do let us know as soon as you can and we will quickly reschedule it for you. Our absolute priority is to keep you and your family safe.” 

He added: “Slips and falls in the icy conditions are also a huge concern. People are falling while de-icing the car, letting the dog out, or bringing in shopping. Please take extra care, but if you need non-urgent medical attention, you will be seen faster at a minor injury unit as our emergency departments are under severe pressure at the moment.

“Your GP may also refer you to our Urgent Virtual Care service (UVC), this is a fantastic new service that can help avoid a visit to the emergency department. With the UVC, GPs and Paramedics can consult directly by phone or by video call with a senior medical decision maker in emergency medicine or geriatric medicine”.