THE MATER HOSPITAL is rescheduling some planned surgeries due to problems with its IT system.

The hospital has been facing IT issues that mean it is unable to access patients’ Electronic Health Records. 

In a statement this morning, the hospital confirmed that a “small number of surgical cases” have had to be deferred today.

Impacted patients have been contacted directly. Anyone with a planned surgery who has not been contacted should turn up to their appointment as scheduled, the Mater says.

Additionally, other outpatient appointments are unaffected and patients should attend as anticipated. 

The hospital plans to reschedule the deferred surgeries in the coming days.

“It is understood that the issues affecting the Mater’s IT system are not as a result of any malicious attack,” the hospital said.

“We apologise for any inconvenience this causes to the public and wish to assure our patients that the hospital is doing everything it can to rectify the issue as quickly as possible.”

Emergency department

The Mater is appealing to the public to avoid its emergency department where possible.

The ongoing issues mean that patients who present to the emergency department with non-urgent conditions will likely face long waiting times.

The is advising patients with non-emergency conditions to seek assistance, if possible, from health service providers such as their GP or minor injury units.

“However, any patient who is in need of emergency hospital care will be seen and the Mater would urge such patients not to delay and to seek such care,” it said.

The Mater’s Rapid Injury Clinic in Smithfield is currently closed.