The HSE is warning of significant and widespread disruption to health and social care services on Wednesday, 14th October due to public sector work stoppages.
As part of contingency plans, all elective, day and outpatient healthcare services across hospitals and community settings have been cancelled for the day.
This includes routine hospital procedures, outpatient appointments, community-based services, day services, primary care clinics and other scheduled care.
HSE administrative services will also be affected.
Urgent and emergency care will continue
Emergency Departments will remain open, while ambulance services will continue at reduced capacity.
Other critical and time-sensitive services, including urgent cancer treatment and dialysis, will also continue.
The HSE is advising anyone who needs urgent medical attention not to delay seeking care.
In an emergency, people should call 999 or 112 or attend their nearest Emergency Department where necessary.
The HSE is also asking people to consider other care options where appropriate, including injury units, GPs, GP out-of-hours services and community pharmacies.
Home support services
Home support will continue for people with the highest care needs and those considered most vulnerable under agreed derogations.
Other visits may be rescheduled where it is considered clinically safe to do so.
The HSE said services may also continue for some other home care clients where this is considered necessary locally.
Cancelled appointments will be rescheduled
Healthcare teams are trying to contact as many patients as possible about affected appointments and services.
Patients do not need to contact the HSE themselves.
All cancelled appointments will be rescheduled as soon as possible.
The HSE said it is continuing to engage with health sector unions on contingency arrangements and will issue further information as plans are finalised.
It acknowledged the disruption the work stoppages will cause for patients and families and thanked the public for their patience and understanding.
