Continued impact on Tallaght Hospital services as Red Alert extended
By Mary Dennehy
THERE will be continued impact on hospital services, including Tallaght Hospital, over the weekend and into the early part of next week due to Storm Emma.
This afternoon, the Red Alert warning for Dublin, Kildare, Wexford, Wicklow and Meath has been extended until 9am tomorrow morning, with further heavy snow forecast.
The Citywest roundabout approaching the shopping centre this afternoon
The continuing snow and ice will impact on hospital services, with the Dublin Midlands Hospital Group, which includes Tallaght Hospital, St James’s and the Coombe, confirming this afternoon that weather conditions will continue to impact on hospital services over the weekend and into the early part of next week.
Emergency services and all essential planned services for cancer, renal and antenatal care are continuing and staff have been presenting to work to care for patients despite the extraordinary weather conditions affecting access to and from hospitals.
As previously stated, hospitals have cancelled electives and outpatient appointments for Thursday 1 and today, March 2 - hospitals will be in touch with patients to reschedule the appointments as soon as possible.
Hospitals are prioritising the transportation through the National Emergency Operations Centre for key critical staff to maintain emergency services and patient transport for dialysis, oncology and discharges while the adverse conditions persist.
According to the Midlands Hospital Group: “This will be closely monitored through the day and into the weekend and any changes to service provision will be communicated across all available channels.
“The Hospital Group would like to acknowledge the support of the National Ambulance Service, Defence Forces and Civil Defence in assisting with emergency transportation of patients and staff.”
Members of the public are also being reminded to exercise caution if leaving the house.
An ambulance making its way onto the M50 earlier
“While the national advice is that people can go outdoors it is imperative that people consider the risks of slips, trips and falls”, the Hospital Group said.
“Conditions under foot remain treacherous in many parts of the country. Only walk on sure surfaces that have been gritted.
“While emergency departments remain open we would encourage people to consider all options available to them for their healthcare needs and to protect the ED for those most seriously ill as delays can still be expected.”
The Group thanked all hospital staff who have been staying overnight and to everyone making exceptional efforts to get to work today to ensure the continuity of patient care.
TAGS news
