Around 850 rheumatology patients in Galway have had their outpatient appointments postponed because of staff shortages, the HSE has confirmed.

The patients, some of whom suffer with painful conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, were due to be seen in Merlin Park Hospital during July and August, however these appointments will now be rescheduled for later in the year.

It is understood that some of these rescheduled appointments are not until next December.

The appointments have had to be postponed as a result of vacant posts and staff on leave.

A statement from the HSE's Saolta University Health Care Group, which oversees seven hospitals in the west and north west, including Merlin Park, said that it regretted any inconvenience caused to patients and their families.

Emergency cases will continue to be seen, it added.

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