Hospital Appointments Cancelled Tomorrow as Problems with Trust's IT System Continue

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An issue with the Southern Trust's IT system is expected to roll into tomorrow with a statement from the trust at 3pm stating that the majority of planned surgery and out-patient hospital appointments are being cancelled tomorrow, 18 September, to be rescheduled as soon as possible. Community services are expected to operate as normal tomorrow.

Chris Kent 30 October and Blondie Tribute 28 December @ Canal Court Hotel

The statement states that staff are working to resume services as soon as possible and engineers are working to resolve what they are calling 'complex issues' but the trust expect disruption to services to continue for some time.

It follows an announcement this morning citing significant IT issues which were impacting their services . Ambulance diverts were put in place and non emergency patients were told that they should not come to their appointments at any hospital or community services today.

The trust are currently prioritising emergency and critically ill patients but ask that people avoid coming to their Emergency Departments at Daisy Hill Hospital and Craigavon Hospital unless absolutely necessary.

Speaking on the matter MLA Justin McNulty said "It is my view that this IT outage creates a level of chaos and concern for patients in Newry and right across the Southern Trust Area. People awaiting important treatments have had their appointments cancelled, while ambulances are being diverted. Naturally this can cause real worry and distress for those affected.

"In the midst of this turmoil I hope that people can remain calm as work from the Trust goes on to resolve this issue. Large numbers of people have been impacted by this incident and it’s important that the Trust works to understand how this has happened and ensure systems are put in place to prevent a repeat in future."

South Down MLA ColinMcGrath added: “While the details of what has happened will cause understandable concern, it is essential that the Trust work to reassure the public. Patients should not be left feeling frightened or uncertain about their care. Where appointments have been lost or delayed, the Trust must act quickly to ensure that these are rescheduled without undue wait.

“Clear and consistent communication with the public is essential. People deserve to know exactly what has happened, how it affects them, and what steps are being taken to put things right. That openness is the best way to maintain confidence in our health system.

“I will be raising this issue directly with the Health Minister to ensure that the necessary actions are taken swiftly and that this type of disruption is not repeated. Patients and families rely on our health service in times of greatest need, and they must be able to trust that it will be there for them when required.”

To get updates please check out the Southern Trust website at southerntrust.hscni.net