Ambulance Service Response Times

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 December 2012

Tuesday, 4 December 2012

Questions (600)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

600. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he will state the policy and the procedure that is followed by the Health Service Executive National Ambulance Service in responding to an emergency call in cases when the most appropriate treatment may be available at a hospital which is not the closest acute hospital to the patient's location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53934/12]

Written answers

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

Policies and procedures for the National Ambulance Service are set by the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) and the HSE and are operational matters for the HSE. Accordingly, as the question refers to operational matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy.