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The HSE South West has reminded the public that all non-urgent outpatient and clinical appointments are cancelled today, Monday, January 6th, due to hazardous travel conditions caused by ongoing low temperatures.
While the majority of appointments scheduled for tomorrow, Tuesday, are expected to proceed, the HSE has urged patients to only travel if it is safe to do so. Acknowledging that road conditions vary across the region, the HSE has assured patients that missed appointments can be rescheduled by contacting their healthcare team.
In North Cork, many hospital and community appointments scheduled for tomorrow will be deferred, with HSE staff contacting affected patients directly.
Hospitals and Services Affected
- CUH, South Infirmary Victoria Hospital, Mercy University Hospital, Bantry Hospital, and Mallow Hospital: All non-urgent appointments today are cancelled, but most are expected to resume tomorrow. Localised disruptions at Bantry and Mallow Hospitals may persist, with affected patients being contacted individually.
- Cork University Maternity Hospital (CUMH): Gynaecology outpatient appointments are cancelled today, but antenatal clinics will continue as planned. Expectant mothers should attend their scheduled appointments. Anyone with concerns is advised to contact the hospital directly.
- Community Services: A range of services, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, podiatry, dietetics, child development, and eye care clinics, are cancelled today but are expected to resume tomorrow, except in North Cork, where patients will be contacted directly regarding rescheduling.
- Dental Services: Closed today but expected to reopen across most of Cork tomorrow.
- Day Services for Older People: All day services for older adults are cancelled today.
- School Vaccination Clinics: These will not proceed today.
- Mental Health Services: All outpatient and day services are cancelled today. Service users in need of urgent assistance are encouraged to contact their healthcare team, GP, SouthDoc, or their local emergency department.
Appointments at the Integrated Care Programme for Older Persons (ICPOP) and the Integrated Care Programme for Chronic Diseases have also been cancelled today.
For patients with urgent medical needs, such as dialysis or chemotherapy, HSE staff are working to ensure essential transport and care arrangements are in place.
Dr Andy Phillips, HSE South West Regional Executive Officer, commented:
“While many appointments will go ahead tomorrow, Tuesday, we are asking the public to make sure that it is safe to travel. We understand that conditions will vary significantly across the county. If it is safe for you to travel to an appointment tomorrow, then please do so. If it’s not safe, please let your team know and they will reschedule you as soon as possible.”
He continued: “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. I want to thank our staff for the significant efforts they have gone to in recent days, and for the work I know they will do over the coming days so that essential services are maintained.”
The HSE has also issued a safety warning regarding the ongoing low temperatures, noting that icy footpaths and steps increase the risk of slips, trips, and falls. Older people are advised to avoid going outdoors if possible. Anyone who suffers an injury is encouraged to use injury units rather than emergency departments, which are currently under pressure due to flu cases. Details of local injury units can be found at hse.ie/injuryunits.