Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 28 Jun 2001

Vol. 539 No. 3

Written Answers. - Doctor Support Services.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

51 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to a recent inquest held in Castlebar into the death of a man in June 2000 as a result of a serious industrial accident in which a doctor testified that he requested the back-up help of a trauma team from Castlebar, but was told that none was available; the plans he has to undertake a review of the level of assistance available to doctors in dealing with such situations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19222/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin):

The provision of medical services in this instance is the statutory responsibility of the Western Health Board. I understand from the Western Health Board that there is no formal provision for the dispatch of a surgical trauma team to the scene of an accident. In the event of a surgical team going to an accident scene the hospital would be left without the services of its surgical team for an unacceptable length of time.

It is proposed to develop the skills of ambulance crews to deal with all accident situations. The Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council, which I established in April 2000, has responsibility for standards, education and training in the field of pre hospital emergency care. The council has submitted proposals to my Department recently in relation to developing advanced care services in the country's ambulance service. The council has recommended that a two stage process be adopted to introduce advanced practice to the ambulance service, that is, a feasibility study of standard operating procedures for advanced practice; an invitation to relevant bodies to submit proposals for training courses.

The feasibility study is required to explore the clinical, operational and managerial issues arising from the introduction of a new clinical service to the pre-hospital emergency setting.

The council's submission is being examined by my Department and we will work closely with the council, health boards-authority, training bodies and medical services in ensuring the efficient development of advanced care services to the country's ambulance services.