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Non-urgent HSE appointments scheduled for Wednesday, January 8th at Bantry General Hospital and Mallow General Hospital, including outpatient and other clinical appointments, will not proceed due to adverse weather conditions. This decision follows the latest Orange Weather Warning issued by Met Éireann. Additionally, appointments at community facilities in North Cork will be impacted.
While non-urgent appointments will continue in Cork city hospitals—Cork University Hospital (CUH), Mercy University Hospital, and South Infirmary-Victoria University Hospital—patients are urged not to travel unless it is safe. Services at community facilities in East Cork and South Cork will also proceed where conditions allow.
At Cork University Maternity Hospital (CUMH), patients are asked to attend their scheduled appointments unless travel is unsafe. Those unable to attend should contact CUMH at 021-4920500 to reschedule.
Meanwhile, the Children’s COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic at St Mary’s Primary Care Centre, planned for Wednesday, will not take place.
Travel Safety Emphasised Amid Service Disruptions
While services in parts of Cork will proceed today (Tuesday), the HSE has reminded both staff and the public to only travel if conditions are safe. Patients who cannot attend appointments due to safety concerns are urged to contact their healthcare provider to reschedule.
HSE staff are actively contacting patients regarding deferred appointments.
Dr Andy Phillips, HSE South West Regional Executive Officer, explained the rationale behind the cancellations:
“It is a difficult, but necessary, decision to cancel some non-urgent appointments at Bantry and Mallow hospitals and some 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.”
He acknowledged the inconvenience caused, stating:
“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.”
Dr Phillips expressed gratitude to HSE staff for their continued dedication in difficult circumstances.
Cancelled Services in North Cork
The following services in North Cork will not take place on Wednesday, January 8th:
- Community service appointments, including:
- Physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, community psychology, podiatry, audiology, dietetics, child development clinics, and eye care clinics.
- Dental services.
- Day services for older people.
- School vaccination programmes.
- Mental health day services, day hospitals, and outpatient services. Service users in crisis or requiring urgent assistance should contact their team, GP, SouthDoc, or their local emergency department.
- Appointments at ICPOP (Integrated Care Programme for Older Persons) and Integrated Care Programme Chronic Diseases.
HSE staff will be in touch with affected patients to reschedule appointments. Where feasible, virtual appointments may be offered. Patients uncertain about their appointments should contact the relevant office or staff member who issued the appointment.
Gratitude for Community Support
Dr Phillips also acknowledged the critical role of voluntary and community groups in supporting HSE operations during the challenging weather:
“We are very aware that there are people in our communities who depend on visits from our Home Support staff, Public Health Nurses, and Community Intervention Teams. Those staff are doing everything they can to make their calls, but also need to bear in mind everyone’s safety.”
He highlighted the assistance provided by groups helping HSE staff with transport, noting that in some cases, prioritised visits were only possible with the aid of voluntary organisations and the Defence Forces.
“Over the next few days, we will continue to be very dependent on the Defence Forces, voluntary emergency services, community groups, and others to get staff to their shifts or priority house visits. We are incredibly grateful for this support.”