PATIENTS ACROSS COUNTIES Armagh, Down and Tyrone are being urged to avoid hospital and community service appointments due to a “significant” IT issue.

The problem is impacting the Southern Health and Social Care Trust.

The Trust includes Newry’s Daisy Hill Hospital and Craigavon Area Hospital, which are two major hospitals in the area.

It also includes Lurgan Hospital, South Tyrone Hospital, and St Luke’s mental health hospital.

Emergency and critically ill patients are being “prioritised” and ambulance diverts are in place while work continues to resolve the issue.

Patients with any appointments for hospital or community services have been urged not to come until further notice.

People have also been asked to avoid coming to hospitals and other sites, though it is still possible to visit a patient.

Newry MLA Justin McNulty said that the IT issue is “creating chaos and concern for patients”.

“People awaiting important treatments have had their appointments cancelled, while ambulances are being diverted,” said the SDLP MLA.

“Naturally this is causing real worry and distress for those affected.”

He expressed hope that “people can remain calm as work goes on to resolve this issue”.

McNulty’s party colleague and SDLP Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath said “it is essential that the Trust work to reassure the public”.

“Where appointments have been lost or delayed, the Trust must act quickly to ensure that these are rescheduled without undue wait,” said McGrath.

“People deserve to know exactly what has happened, how it affects them, and what steps are being taken to put things right.”