There will be work stoppages across the public sector on Wednesday 14 October. This impacts many HSE services. Only emergency and critical healthcare services will be available. All other non-urgent appointments and services will be cancelled.
Our teams are trying to contact as many patients as possible. You do not need to contact us. We will reschedule your appointment as soon as possible.
Emergency departments, ambulance services and other critical healthcare services such as urgent cancer treatment and dialysis will be available. Consider all healthcare options but if you need urgent medical care on Wednesday, do not delay seeking care.
Cancelled appointments and services that won't be available on 14 October
Hospital appointments
All routine hospital appointments, planned surgeries and routine hospital procedures are cancelled on 14 October.
Community and Primary Care appointments
Appointments in community-based services and clinics will also be cancelled.
For example:
- physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy
- podiatry
- child health services including routine appointments with public health nurses
- dental services
- chronic disease management services
Appointments will be rescheduled as soon as possible.
Day services
Day services will be closed.
For example:
- day centres supporting older people
- disability and mental health day services for adults and children
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services
- antenatal clinics
- rehab services
Home Support Care
We are prioritising home support care for people with the highest care needs and those who are most vulnerable.
Other HSE Services
Administrative services may also be unavailable.
Healthcare options available on 14 October
Emergency care
In a medical emergency contact 999 or 112 and ask for an ambulance. There may be delays – the most urgent cases will be prioritised.
Emergency departments (EDs) are always open. Staff are there to help people with life threatening injuries or illness.
Injury Units
Injury units will be available as usual. They can treat recent injuries that are:
- not life-threatening
- unlikely to need admission to hospital
They can help with many of the injuries people go to the emergency department (ED) for. For example, broken bones, dislocations, and minor burns.
Find your nearest injury units
GPs
GP services will be available as usual.
GP out-of-hours
If you urgently need to see a GP outside of regular opening hours, you should contact your local out-of-hours GP service.
Pharmacy
Your local pharmacist can provide expert advice and over-the-counter treatments for a wide range of minor illnesses.