Vol. 504 No. 4
189 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the results of discussions officials of his Department had with interested parties to clarify a number of issues regarding needs, cost and benefits derived from having a dedicated and purpose equipped air ambulance service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12146/99]
199 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if the case made by rural doctors for a helicopter emergency medical service has been accepted; and, if so, the way in which the proposal will be implemented. [12289/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 189 and 199 together.
Since 1965 an arrangement has been in place whereby the air corps provides air ambulance transport to health boards for emergency cases. This service is generally provided in emergencies requiring the removal of badly injured or very ill persons over long distances, particularly where they cannot be safely conveyed by road ambulance. The service is also provided for the removal from the islands of persons requiring urgent hospital attention when weather conditions are such as to make boat transport impossible or hazardous to the patient. Since August 1991, the marine search and rescue helicopter service of the Department of the Marine, which operates from Shannon Airport, is also available for air ambulance transport in cases of emergency.
I am aware of the role which a dedicated air ambulance service could play in enhancing the effectiveness of the ambulance service. However, proposals for the development of an air ambulance service must be placed in the wider context of developments in emergency medical services generally and any initiative in this area must complement other pre-hospital resources such as the ambulance service, first responder programmes and other emergency response resources. As in other areas of health care, I am anxious that developments in this area are based on best evidence with regard to the health gain, effectiveness and value for money.
The particular role of air ambulance was examined by the Standing Committee on Air Ambulance Services. The standing committee undertook a detailed examination of a number of independent proposals for the establishment of a dedicated helicopter emergency medical service which were received from groups interested in this area. Meetings took place with a number of these groups, including a number of interested rural doctors.
Following these meetings, officials of my Department have worked with other interested parties to clarify a number of issues regarding needs, costs and benefits deriving from having a dedicated and purpose-equipped air ambulance service. Work associated with these discussions, including the collation of information relevant to the potential benefits and costs of a dedicated helicopter emergency medical service, is ongoing.
I remain committed to further developing pre-hospital care services in the manner that will best improve the service for those who rely on such services and I have allocated an additional £2.7 million for developments in the field of pre-hospital care in 1999. This funding represents the largest ever increase in resources for this area and will assist considerably in improving emergency medical services.
