Strike prompts hospitals warning
Friday November 20 2009
Health chiefs have warned patients to avoid hospitals Tuesday during a national strike against feared Government cuts.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) confirmed all non-emergency surgery will be cancelled, with out patient and swine flu vaccination clinics postponed.
Patients were also warned not to attend A&E departments unless they have a real emergency during the public workers' protest.
The HSE's Dr Joe Devlin said the public needed to be aware the health services will be reduced to Christmas Day levels.
"It is important for patient safety that non-emergency procedures do not proceed during the strike action," he said.
"We apologise to patients for any inconvenience caused and will be making every effort to ensure that appointments are rescheduled as soon as possible."
The HSE said hospitals have been contacting patients by letter, telephone and text messages to advise them of services and procedures affected by the industrial action.
However he stressed a number of key areas, including intensive care, oncolology and chemotherapy units, maternity and palliative care, will run as normal.
Consultants, doctors and key laboratory staff will also be working.
Dr Devlin said health chiefs were working with unions to ensure critical areas of care continue.
Press Association
