Storm Éowyn: NIE warns some buildings could be without power for 10 days after high winds cause huge damage
Storm Éowyn has left destruction in its wake after battering Northern Ireland with winds in excess of 100 mph.
“There are no words that can properly describe the debt of gratitude we owe to emergency services and the entire health and social care workforce.
“While we have been at home and following advice to stay safe, they have been dealing with call-outs and caring for people in hospitals, other facilities, and in the community. My heartfelt thanks goes to each and every one of them.
“Good contingency planning by our Health and Social Care Trusts and our Primary and Community care partners, alongside excellent multi-agency working, has enabled the health system to rise to the challenge presented by the severe storm.
"Some parts of hospitals and other facilities have had to rely on generators and it has been necessary to clear fallen trees and debris to enable staff to get into healthcare sites. Right across the HSC, teams are working at pace to ensure that patients and service users receive the care they need.
“I also want to thank the community for following the public safety advice during Storm Éowyn. The red alert posed a significant challenge to emergency services and to our society. Public cooperation is absolutely vital and very much appreciated.
“I would also like to reassure people whose scheduled appointments and planned procedures have been postponed that Trust staff are working hard to reschedule as soon as possible. And I would ask the public to be patient as some services may continue to experience some disruption over the next few days.”