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Belfast Trust Cancels Mental Health Appointments Amid Staffing Crisis

3/14/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Belfast Trust apologized for canceling Psychiatry of Old Age Service appointments due to staffing pressures, including sickness and vacancies.
An email to GPs said no new or follow-up referrals would be accepted temporarily, with urgent cases prioritized.
Dr. Ursula Mason, chair of the Royal College of GPs in Northern Ireland, warned the changes would harm patients and raise GP workload.

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Story summary

The Belfast Trust apologized for canceling Psychiatry of Old Age Service appointments due to staffing pressures, including sickness and vacancies.
An email to GPs said no new or follow-up referrals would be accepted temporarily, with urgent cases prioritized.
Dr. Ursula Mason, chair of the Royal College of GPs in Northern Ireland, warned the changes would harm patients and raise GP workload.