NI strike: warning that disruption to services will be on an unprecedented scale
The Department of Health is urging the public to take "sensible steps" so to reduce chances of needing treatment on the day
The Department of Health warned today (Thursday) that disruption to services during next week's planned strike action will be on a scale never before seen in Northern Ireland
In a strongly-worded statement released this evening, it said it was "extremely concerned" about the potential impact of Thursday's industrial action
The Department said It said that the strike will be taking place at a time when services are already under severe pressure
The statement warned that in addition to delays over and above existing levels, some services may not be available at all.
"While every effort will be made to mitigate the impact on the public, there will be widespread disruption to all aspects of health and social care services," the statement said.
"This is expected to impact across a wide range of areas including planned and unplanned (urgent/emergency) hospital services, community services such as day centres, district nursing and domiciliary care as well as ambulance cover.
"Trusts will work with trade union representatives to seek to protect emergency care.
"We nevertheless believe that disruption to services will be on a scale not experienced with previous industrial action.
"The strike action will be taking place at a time when services are already under sustained and very severe pressure.
"Staffing shortfalls on the day are expected to be further exacerbated by industrial action in education and public transport.
"We would therefore ask the public to be very conscious of the fact that a significantly reduced health service will be in place on January 18th. This would mean not just delays over and above existing levels but some services not being available at all."
The Department also urged the public to take what it says are sensible steps - to reducing any chance of requiring health service treatment on the day.
"At the same time, if you need emergency hospital care on the day, you must seek it immediately," it said.
"The Department is very aware of the deep frustration of health service staff at the ongoing absence of a pay offer for this year.
"We also understand that this frustration is further compounded by indications that funding for public sector pay increases is potentially available.
"Under the current 2023/24 health budget, it has not yet been possible for the Department to make a pay offer to HSC staff.
"That situation is neither sustainable nor defensible and cannot hold indefinitely."