asked the Minister for Health if he will clarify the statement made recently by a shop steward that there was only one ambulance in the Southern Health Board area, at times to serve 136,000 people in the Cork region; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Southern Health Board Ambulance Service.
135.
The provision of ambulance services is a matter for each health board in the first instance.
I am satisfied that the Southern Health Board provide adequate accident and emergency ambulance cover at all times in the Cork region.
The board operate six accident and emergency ambulances in Cork city and the greater Cork area as follows:— Cork City, four; Midleton, one; Macroom one.
The number of ambulances actually on duty at any one time varies. For example the level of cover varies from day to night and from week day to weekend but the minimum arrangement is two ambulances on duty with three "on-call".
In addition to their own complement the board can avail of additional ambulances if necessary as follows:— Fire Brigade, two; Private, two; Army, two; Voluntary Organisations, six.
The board are satisfied that the arrangements which are in place are sufficient to deal with the accident and emergency ambulance requirement.