Hospital to decide on services

St Vincent's University Hospital in Dublin said it will not make a decision until tomorrow on what services will need to be curtailed…

St Vincent's University Hospital in Dublin said it will not make a decision until tomorrow on what services will need to be curtailed on Wednesday due to the planned work stoppages by nurses.

In a statement, the hospital said it will endeavour to deliver patient care services as normal tomorrow (Tuesday) and that all non-emergency services, including outpatients and day patients, will continue as scheduled.

"It is important that patients attend at their appointed time and they need not contact the hospital in advance," the statement said.

Planned (non-emergency) admissions will also continue as scheduled tomorrow.

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"As the hospital is awaiting clarification from the INO regarding the full details of the planned work stoppage by INO members on Wednesday, April 11th, a decision on what services will need to be curtailed will not be made until Tuesday morning.

"If some planned (non-emergency) admissions are to be cancelled on Wednesday, the affected patients will be contacted by the hospital tomorrow. The cancellations will be decided by the doctors on the basis of clinical priority," the statement said.

The hospital said it hoped outpatient and day patient services will continue on Wednesday even though there might be some delays.

It urged patients to attend at their appointed time but apologised "in advance" for any delays and thanked members of the public for their cooperation.

"The emergency department will be under increased pressure and members of the public are requested to attend their GP, where possible, before attending the Emergency Department. Those presenting with minor problems can expect long delays.

"We are requesting that enquiries regarding the welfare of inpatients, and about routine appointments, be kept to a minimum."