Disruptions expected in Hospitals today as medical scientists engage in industrial action



The HSE’s warning patients to expect ‘significant disruption’ in hospitals today, due to industrial action.

 

It involves 2,100 medical scientists, who are picketing over pay and career development issues.

 

They’re refusing to carry out routine lab services from 8am to 8pm today.

 

 

The strike action is expected to lead to the cancellation of many inpatient and day case elective procedures and hospital outpatient appointments across the north west and the rest of the country.

 

All routine GP testing services will be suspended for today. Some limited services will continue but there will be wide scale disruption to patients.

 

Emergency Departments are already experiencing the knock on effect of this action today as GPs cannot send routine lab tests to hospitals and instead have had to refer patients directly to emergency departments.

 

 

The HSE say Emergency Departments will continue as always to prioritise the treatment of the sickest and most urgent patients.

 

Since yesterday hospitals have been contacting patients directly to cancel appointments.

 

Patients are requested not to phone hospitals at this time.

 

The HSE confirmed earlier that Hospitals will provide further clarity and details as soon as possible and information  is available on www.hse.ie/disruptions



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