Outpatient appointments cancelled (From Penarth Times)
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Outpatient appointments cancelled
3:34pm Tuesday 22nd January 2013 in News
CARDIFF and Vale University Health Board has cancelled a number of outpatient appointments for this afternoon (Tuesday 22) and tomorrow (Wednesday 23).
The Health Board has taken the decision on advice from the Welsh Ambulance Service and South Wales Police on likely weather and road conditions with more snow forecast.
Any patient relying on the Welsh Ambulance service for transport to their outpatient appointment in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan on Tuesday afternoon has had their appointment cancelled and will be contacted for it to be rescheduled. Afternoon outpatient clinics will remain open for those able to make their way there themselves.
However, the health board has confirmed that it has cancelled all outpatient appointments for Wednesday in light of the forecast. Patients with clinically important appointments will be contacted by staff and arrangements made for them to be seen.
Paul Hollard, Deputy Chief Executive for the health board, said: “Anyone with an outpatient appointment for Wednesday should assume it has been cancelled unless they are contacted by hospital staff and told otherwise. “We have been advised by the Welsh Ambulance Service and South Wales Police that road and weather conditions could get worse over the next 24 hours and so we have made the decision to cancel appointments and will do our best to get them rescheduled as soon as possible.”
The health board has urged the public to take care when out and about in the cold weather and to follow the advice of the Choose Well campaign should they need medical help.
Mr Hollard said: “The cold weather puts a great strain on hospital services so please consider using your local GP or pharmacy if you feel unwell. If you are unsure what service is most appropriate for your needs please contact NHS Direct Wales on 08450 46 47.”
Further updates will be provided via the media, the UHB’s website and social media channels as they become available.
