Storm Éowyn will significantly disrupt HSE services in Waterford

HSE South East advises that there will be significant disruption to services tomorrow, Friday, due to status red weather warning and severe winds that Storm Éowyn will bring.

All day services, non-urgent clinics and appointments in hospitals and community services across the country, including in Waterford, are cancelled tomorrow, January 24th.

A statement posted by University Hospital Waterford says: "All elective day case and outpatient activity has been cancelled for Friday 24th. No need to call us as all appointments will be rescheduled. During the weather alert we advise one does not visit the hospital."

Where people are in receipt of specialist and time critical services such as dialysis and cancer treatment, the treating unit will contact the patient directly.

Supports to vulnerable people at home in the community will be prioritised on an urgent needs basis during the hours of restricted travel (red hours). For updated information on further service disruption go to www.hse.ie/disruptions

While critical health services will continue, the message to the public is not to travel to appointments tomorrow, Friday.

HSE advise that if you have any doubt, please do not travel during tomorrow’s dangerous conditions, and phone the office or person who made your appointment. All appointments will be rescheduled as soon as possible.

Ahead of the arrival of Storm Eowyn, HSE also ask the public to check that they have essential items including medications stocked up, as it may not be possible to get to a pharmacy tomorrow.

Please also check on any older or vulnerable neighbours or family members and make sure they are prepared.

HSE Dublin and South East Regional Executive Officer Martina Queally said that the priority is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all staff and patients throughout the region:

“We are asking patients who attend a HSE service or have an appointment to not travel to a HSE service or appointment unless you hear directly from us.

“I would like to thank and commend our HSE staff for the work and planning they are undertaking to make sure that essential services are maintained.

“I encourage everyone to pay attention to all national announcements to shelter in place and I would like to give my deep appreciation to all those working in emergency services who are working to protect the public.

“Finally, we would urge anyone requiring urgent emergency care to attend their local emergency department for treatment, whilst taking every precaution to keep safe on route. As always, our emergency departments provide emergency care to patients 24/7”