ALERT: Disruptions to hospital and community services in Tipperary set to continue

The Health Service Executive is warning that disruptions to hospital and community services in Tipperary, 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.

They have reiterated 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.