ALERT: HSE warns of further disruption to hospital and community services in Limerick

THE HSE is warning that disruptions to hospital and community services in Limerick and across the region are expected for the remainder of this week due to hazardous travelling conditions arising from the freezing weather.

A small number of hospital procedures were deferred this Monday at University Maternity Hospital Limerick and Nenagh Hospital while some outpatient appointments at Ennis Hospital and Croom Orthopaedic Hospital were also deferred.

HSE Mid-West says clinics for service users across the community, including in disabilities and older persons services, have also been affected by the current bad weather.

It is reiterating its advice that patients should only attend their appointments if they have phoned ahead to confirm it is taking place and that it is safe for them to travel. If patients are unable to make contact with the clinic, HSE staff will contact them directly. All cancelled appointments will be rescheduled over the coming days. Services are currently being reviewed on a daily basis.

"Freezing weather conditions are affecting both acute and community services. Provisions are in place to ensure patients living in remote areas can attend hospital for time-critical appointments such as dialysis.

Across community settings, all efforts are being made to provide as full a service as possible in terms of home support, community nursing etc," said a spokesperson.

Members of the public who are unwell are being urged to consider all available healthcare options, including local pharmacies, your GP, or the out-of-hours GP service.

"We encourage people to take extreme care as they go out and about to prevent slips, trips and falls. Injury Units are open in Ennis, Nenagh and St John’s Hospitals from 8am to 8pm, every day. Injury Units can treat broken bones, dislocations, sprains, strains, wounds, scalds and minor burns," added the spokesperson. 

READ ALSO: Limerick City and County Council warn of severe wintery conditions in Limerick

Medical Assessment Units located in Ennis and Nenagh Hospital have recently expanded their operations to 16 hours a day, 8am to 12 midnight, seven days a week. They provide a direct referral pathway for GPs to secure prompt assessment and treatment of medical patients.

HSE Mid-West say the Emergency Department at University Hospital Limerick remains open 24-7 for patients with the most serious illnesses and injuries, including life-threatening emergencies. However, anyone attending the ED with a less urgent condition may face long waiting times as the hospital continues to manage high attendances.

Patients seeking to access services in the community may also face delays due to the current challenges with access and high levels of illness. 

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Sandra Broderick, Regional Executive Officer, HSE Mid-West, commented: “The current prolonged spell of harsh weather is placing additional demands on our health services at a time when we are already facing a surge in influenza and other respiratory illnesses. I am appealing to members of the public to look out for one another, in particular older relatives and neighbours, over the coming days and to familiarise themselves with the various options for accessing care.

"We apologise to any patient who has been affected by deferrals in care arising from the current travelling conditions. We continue to provide unscheduled and scheduled care for urgent and time-critical patients and I would like to pay tribute to all the healthcare workers for their commitment at this time."

Ms Broderick has also thanked voluntary partners such as the Civil Defence, Order of Malta and Irish Red Cross for assisting in the transport of essential personnel to maintain services for those with the highest care needs.