Portlaoise Hospital has been forced to cancel all routine surgeries and out patients appointments for the next two days.
Following the upgrade of the weather warning by Met Eireann to status Red for Leinster today, Dublin Midlands Hospital Group have taken the decision.
They say: “We will continue to do everything possible to maintain all essential services to patients receiving planned cancer, renal and antenatal care but please contact your hospital directly if you have any concerns.
“In relation to radiotherapy treatment in St Luke’s Radiation Oncology Network please contact the sites directly.
“All appointments cancelled during the period will be rescheduled and patients will be advised of their new appointment by their hospital.”
Patients should note that if they do attend the hospital today for a clinic appointment they will be seen.
“Hospital Emergency Departments continue to be busy and we expect difficulties around discharge planning as a consequence of the adverse conditions.
“We would encourage people to consider all options available to them for their healthcare needs and to protect the ED for those most seriously ill as delays can be expected.
“The hospitals will be monitoring the situation on an hour by hour basis and using all channels of communications to update patients/clients and the general public regarding any changes to service provision.”
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