Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 19 May 1992

Vol. 419 No. 9

Written Answers. - Cork Ambulance Calls.

Bernard Allen

Question:

106 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health if he will give details per week of all the ambulance calls from the Cork city area for each of the years between 1987 and December 1991 which were received in the Southern Health Board; if he will give a breakdown of the number of calls received, the average length of time from call-out to arrival at patient location; whether any formal complaints have been received by the health board about delays or loss of life arising from any such delays, and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Connell)

The provision of ambulance services in the Southern Health Board region is a matter for the Board in the first instance.

I have been informed by the Southern Health Board that no formal complaints have been received by the Board in relation to incidents as outlined by the Deputy.

A report has already been prepared by the Southern Health Board in relation to a number of ambulance calls which were recently the subject of publicity. I have received a copy of this report from the Board and it is my view that the ambulance service provided by the Southern Health Board is of an acceptable standard, within the context of the resources available. My Department, together with the Health Boards, is currently undertaking a major review of the ambulance service nationally. It would be intended that the recommendations of the Ambulance Review Group in relation to the provision of pre-hospital care would be taken into account by the Health Boards when considering any future developments in this area.

I understand from the Southern Health Board that the statistical information requested by the Deputy in relation to ambulance calls is not readily available. However, I have requested the information from the Board and I will communicate with the Deputy as soon as the information is provided.