Ahead of industrial action by a large number of public sector workers tomorrow, Thursday 18th January, Northern Health and Social Care Trust has advised patients that unless told otherwise their appointments have been cancelled.
In a statement issued on Wednesday afternoon, a spokesperson for the Trust said:
"We are expecting widespread disruption to our services as a result of the planned industrial action by a number of Trade Unions on Thursday 18 January 2024.
"While we are working with our Trade Union colleagues to protect urgent and emergency care, all areas of health and social care will be affected.
"Our message to patients and service users is that you should assume your appointment is cancelled unless you are contacted by the Trust to advise otherwise."
Disruption due to industrial action includes:
Hospital Appointments and Procedures
Outpatient appointments postponed: 748
Diagnostic appointments postponed: 110
Daycases appointments postponed: 63
Inpatient appointments postponed: 6
Mid Ulster Minor Injuries Unit will be closed until 1pm.
Mental Health/Learning Disability
All Adult Centres closed.
Outpatient appointments postponed: 108
Community Care
All Day Centres closed.
Impact on GP treatment rooms, district nursing, hospital diversion nursing team, recovery service, occupational therapy.
Children and Young People
Impact on Speech and Language Therapy, transport, family support reviews, family visits, social work visits, residential short breaks.
Paediatric and Women’s Services
Impact on paediatric ambulatory service, midwifery, maternity services, health visiting, public health nursing, including school nurses.