The Southern Health and Social Care Trust (SHSCT) this morning urged only those “critically ill” to attend hospital this morning due to “significant issues” with their IT systems.
It is understood the systems will continue to be affected tomorrow.
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.”
Southern Trust medical director Dr Stephen Austin said surgeries would remain cancelled on Thursday.
“We know it is going to take time to catch up from today’s outage,” he told Cool FM.
“That’s to keep patients safe; safety is our main priority.”
The Department of Health (DoH) said the cause of the outage was unknown at this point.
“The Department has been made aware of a major incident in the Southern Trust this morning relating to IT systems,” said a spokesperson.
“The cause is currently not known. However, this is under urgent investigation to try to restore normal service as quickly as possible.
“Unfortunately, services across Craigavon and Daisy Hill Hospitals have been affected, as has community services.
“The Trust is working to resolve this matter and will update the public as more information is known.”
It comes after a second trust, the South Eastern Trust, confirmed they too had experienced an IT issue last week. The Trust said it was unrelated to Wednesday’s outage in the Southern Trust.
“There was a minor IT issue last Friday morning in the Trust for a short period of time, which was quickly resolved,” said a spokesperson.
“There was minimum disruption to our patients and staff.
“This is completely unrelated to the problems currently being experienced by our colleagues in the Southern Trust, who we stand ready to help.”
While the Southern 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.”