The Southern Trust has confirmed that widespread disruption to its services will continue into Thursday as engineers work to resolve ongoing IT system issues.
In a statement issued on Wednesday afternoon, the Trust said it is “continuing to experience significant issues” which are having an impact on both hospital and community services.
While community services are expected to operate as normal tomorrow (Thursday), the majority of planned surgery and outpatient appointments across hospitals have been cancelled.
These will be rescheduled “as soon as possible”, the Trust has said.
Patients are being urged not to attend Emergency Departments unless absolutely necessary, as pressures remain high while staff attempt to manage the disruption.
A spokesperson said: “The Trust is continuing to experience significant issues with our IT systems which are having an impact on our services.
“Work by engineers to resolve these complex issues is ongoing but disruption to services is likely to continue for some time.
“Community services are expected to operate as normal tomorrow (Thursday).
“Unfortunately, the majority of planned surgery and out-patient hospital appointments are being cancelled tomorrow. These will be rescheduled as soon as possible.
“We ask that people avoid coming to our Emergency Departments unless absolutely necessary.
“We apologise for any disruption. Staff are working hard to resume services as soon as possible. Further updates will be provided in due course.”
The announcement follows an earlier warning from the Trust, when patients were told not to attend any hospital or community service appointments due to what were described as “significant issues” with its IT systems.
Ambulance diverts have been put in place as a precaution, with emergency and critically ill patients prioritised.
Visiting patients in hospital is still permitted.
