Storm will cause some interruptions to HSE services 

There’ll be an interruption to some HSE services across Kerry and Cork tomorrow (Friday) due to the impact of Storm Eunice.

Although the Red weather warning for the area is expected to have passed after 8am, it’s inevitable that some members of the public will be delayed in reaching appointments.

“It is very important that no one travels during the Red Weather warning,” the HSE said in a statement.

“Staff in our services are expecting and will fully understand that people will be delayed reaching appointments. We thank the public in advance for their patience as there will inevitably be knock-on delays through the day.”

Priority remains the safety of the public and staff:

All HSE services are repeating the advice to the public to stay indoors for the duration of the severe weather warning, and we ask the public not to undertake any unnecessary travel for the duration of the Red Weather warning between 3am and 8am.

Ambulance services:

The National Ambulance Service will as always prioritise emergency calls during this weather event but is urging the general public to think carefully before calling. The response to emergency calls may be hindered by road conditions and the number of emergency calls at any particular time. Personnel will do their utmost to reach those in greatest need of our emergency services.

Hospital services:

The South/South West Hospital Group (S/SWHG) is advising that at this point, no elective inpatient or outpatient appointments or procedures have been cancelled. However, no member of the public should travel during the Red weather warning. Staff are expecting that people may arrive late for appointments tomorrow and are prepared for this.

COVID-19 vaccinations and testing:

All scheduled COVID-19 vaccination centres and testing centres in Cork and Kerry will be opened once the Red weather warning has passed. Again, the public are asked not to travel during the Red weather event. Staff will be aware that members of the public may be delayed attending appointments.

Community services:

Day services (e.g. for older people, in disability services and in mental health services) will open after the Red weather warning has passed. Appointments at health centres and primary care centres are going ahead after the Red weather warning. However, the public should not travel to appointments until the Red weather warning has passed.

If you have any questions, please contact the team or office which made your appointment or who you usually contact.

“We would like to reassure the public that detailed contingency plans are in place to ensure the continuity of services at such critical times. If necessary, we will issue further updates to the media and on social media. We thank our staff for the work and planning they have undertaken to make sure that essential services are maintained and that those using our service are kept safe.”