In a statement on social media the Southern Trust said: “The Trust is currently experiencing significant issues with our IT systems which are having an impact on our services.
“Ambulances diverts have been put in place whilst work continues to further investigate and resolve the issues.
“We are prioritising emergency and critically ill patients at this time.
“Any other patients should not come to their appointments at any hospital or community services today until further notice.
“We ask that people avoid coming to our hospitals and other sites but visiting a patient is still possible.
The Southern Trust is dealing with significant IT issues this morning. (Stock image)
News Catch Up – Tuesday 16th September
“Further updates will be provided in due course.”
While the Trust have not indicated which hospitals are specifically impacted, the trust area includes a number of facilities including Craigavon Area Hospital and Daisy Hill.
Reacting to the disruption, Alliance deputy leader Eoin Tennyson said: “My thoughts are first and foremost with patients, families, and staff who are under enormous pressure.
“Clear and timely communication is essential to ensure that people know which services are affected and where they can safely turn for help.
“Alliance will be seeking assurances that everything possible is being done to restore systems quickly, protect patient safety, and prevent similar failures in future.
“In the meantime, please follow the official advice from the Southern Trust and only attend in emergencies.”
Eóin Tennyson MLA
In a statement Sinn Féin’s Mid Ulster MLA Linda Dillon said: “I have been in contact with the Trust who are advising patients with pre-scheduled appointments not to attend due to these issues.
“The Southern Trust is still prioritising emergencies and critically ill patients and anyone with an emergency should still attend hospital.
“This is causing significant disruption to health services and I urge local people to monitor the Southern Trust’s social media and the news for updates as this situation unfolds.”
SDLP health spokesman Colin McGrath also expressed concern.
“While the details of what has happened will cause understandable concern, it is essential that the trust work to reassure the public,” said the South Down MLA.
“Patients should not be left feeling frightened or uncertain about their care. Where appointments have been lost or delayed, the trust must act quickly to ensure that these are rescheduled without undue wait.
SDLP MLA Colin McGrath said he will raise the issue with Health Minister Mike Nesbitt (PA)
“Clear and consistent communication with the public is essential. People deserve to know exactly what has happened, how it affects them, and what steps are being taken to put things right. That openness is the best way to maintain confidence in our health system.
“I will be raising this issue directly with the Health Minister (Mike Nesbitt) to ensure that the necessary actions are taken swiftly and that this type of disruption is not repeated.
“Patients and families rely on our health service in times of greatest need, and they must be able to trust that it will be there for them when required.”