Sign up to The Irish Times Archive (1859 - 2008)My Account »

HEALTH:HOSPITALS WILL make every effort to ensure the estimated 16,000 patients who had appointments deferred as a result of yesterday’s strike are rescheduled as soon as possible, the Health Service Executive (HSE) said last night.

However, it admitted it could be several days and even weeks before patients due to have elective surgery yesterday actually get to theatre. For those who were due to attend outpatients and whose appointments were cancelled, efforts will be made to set up additional clinics to ensure they are seen quickly. But if public sector staff strike again next week, these plans could be thrown off course and thousands more patients may be inconvenienced.