All outpatient hospital appointments have been cancelled for Monday, the HSE has confirmed.

This is a safety measure due to the impending landfall of Hurricane Ophelia.

Cancelled appointments will be rescheduled for as soon as possible.

Patients due to have planned procedures should contact their hospital on Monday morning, it is expected only urgent procedures will go ahead.

Only essential community services will operate tomorrow, those due to attend should contact their local service on Monday morning.

Emergency departments and the National Ambulance service will operate as normal.

Online Editors