John Browne
Question:104 Mr. Browne (Carlow Kilkenny) asked the Minister for Health if he has satisfied himself with the present standards of comfort provided to ill patients who must travel to hospital by ambulance.
Written Answers. - Ambulance Services.
The provision of ambulance services is a matter for each health board in the first instance. I understand, however, that every effort is made to ensure the safety, patient comfort and road worthiness of ambulance vehicles.
A major review of the ambulance service is being undertaken by my Department, together with the health boards. Among the areas to be covered by this review will be the standards applicable to ambulance transportation.
It would be intended that the recommendations of this review group in relation to the provision of this service would be taken into account by the health boards when considering any future developments in this area.
Since becoming Minister I have been in touch with the chairman of the review body and I have asked him to ensure that the work is progressed as quickly as possible.