Letterkenny University Hospital is expected to experience severe disruption tomorrow and Wednesday as a result of industrial action by laboratory scientists.
This will lead to the cancellation of many inpatient and day-case elective procedures and hospital outpatient appointments.
All routine GP testing services will be suspended on both days. Patients currently in hospital requiring tests will also be affected.
Letterkenny Hospital has been contacting patients all day today.
Services that will continue include dialysis and some cancer services.
A HSE spokesperson said “As this is a developing situation we would ask patients not to phone hospitals at this time.
“Hospitals will provide further clarity and details as soon as possible and we will be posting information and updates from hospitals on www.hse.ie from later this evening.
“While efforts are continuing to try to avert this action, the HSE is working with the MLSA to ensure arrangements are in place on the days for the provision of a limited range of services safely.
“We anticipate that this action will have a knock on effect on Emergency Departments and is expected to lead to delays for patients with non-urgent care needs.
“Emergency Departments will operate as normal and will prioritise the treatment of the sickest and most urgent patients.
“Appointments and procedures disrupted by the strikes will be rescheduled as soon as possible.”
The laboratory scientists say are seeking to address a 20-year pay disparity issue, the shortage of medical scientists, and the lack of career progression.
The laboratory in Letterkenny University Hospital provides vital services for the University hospital, all GPs in the area, and all nursing homes and daycare units.
Scientists say they have been left with no option but to down tools.
