Vol. 419 No. 10
54 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health the total number of ambulances equipped with special equipment for heart patients available in the Dublin region; the total number of these which are actually in use; the number in use which are based on the north side of Dublin and the number on the south side; and if he will make a statement on the apparent difficulties in obtaining a heart ambulance on the north side.
The provision of ambulance services in the Eastern Health Board area is a matter for the board in the first instance.
I understand from the Eastern Health Board that it has a total of 15 ambulances equipped with cardiac defibrillator/ monitor equipment. Of these, 10 operate from the base at 1 James's Street and 5 operate from their base at Loughlinstown Hospital.
I understand from the board that no complaints have been received in relation to the cardiac ambulance service which is currently provided.
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.
