Tory Island Faces Nurse Shortage This Weekend, Urgent Care Limited

UPDATE: Tory Island is set to be without a nurse this weekend, affecting residents’ access to medical care. The Health Service Executive (HSE) has confirmed this urgent service gap will take place on October 31 and November 1, 2025.

Residents are urged to prepare as all planned nursing care has already been delivered prior to this weekend’s gap. An agency nurse is scheduled to provide cover beginning Monday, but the lack of immediate medical assistance could pose risks for the island’s vulnerable populations.

Local authorities have stepped in; the Assistant Director of Nursing has shared contact information with residents for any immediate medical support needs. Additionally, local GPs, pharmacies, the Community Intervention Nursing Team, and the Coast Guard have been notified about the situation.

For urgent medical cases, the GP Out of Hours service, NoWDOC, remains operational and is available for those needing immediate assistance.

This unexpected nursing shortage raises significant concerns for the health and safety of Tory Island’s residents, particularly given the island’s limited resources and geographical isolation. As the community braces for the weekend, authorities are emphasizing the importance of contacting local services for any urgent needs.

Residents are advised to remain vigilant and prepared. Further updates are expected as the situation develops.