Non-emergency services disrupted at Waterford hospital

All non-emergency services at Waterford Regional hospital will be cancelled from tomorrow due to a dispute by junior doctors over working hours.

Their colleagues across the country are balloting today on whether or not to join the picket lines, in a dispute over rostering.

They are expected to show overwhelming support for industrial action.

Restrictions at Waterford will hit outpatient visits and non-emergency theatre procedures.

The General Manager of Waterford General hospital, Richard Dooley, regrets the decision.

"We very much regret that all non-emergency services will be cancelled for Thursday 8.

"This includes all outpatient visits and all theatre procedures. However all cancer services, including the administration of chemotherapy and breast clinics will not be affected.