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Ambulance Service Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 May 2013

Thursday, 9 May 2013

Questions (230, 231)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

230. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health his views on the emergency call centres in counties Kerry and Cork (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22069/13]

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Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

231. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if an independent safety audit has been carried out on a facility in Townsend Street which it is proposed will be taken over as an ambulance control room for Cork and Kerry; if one has not been carried out, if it will be carried out in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22070/13]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 230 and 231 together.

The HSE National Ambulance Service (NAS), through its national control centre reconfiguration project, is continuing to rationalise the number of ambulance control rooms across the country, with a target of one system across 2 sites - Tallaght and Ballyshannon. This project is focused on improving call taking and dispatch functions and on delivering improved technology. This will assist in improving response times and will allow the NAS to deploy emergency resources in a much more effective and efficient manner, on a regional and national basis rather than within small geographic areas.

The control centre reconfiguration project is consistent with international best practice and is endorsed by HIQA as the most appropriate approach to improve the quality of services to patients and facilitate investment in technologically enabled service delivery. The project is also a key element of Future Health: A Strategic Framework for Health Reform in Ireland 2012-2015. The NAS intends to move the Cork, Tralee and Navan Control Centres to the existing facility in Townsend Street, pending completion of the Tallaght Control Centre. The NAS is satisfied that the move to Townsend Street will mitigate against existing risks in Cork, Tralee and Navan and will therefore improve the safety of services to patients.

The NAS has undertaken appropriate risk assessments in relation to this process. It is satisfied that Townsend Street can facilitate the interim move of the three control centres and is providing additional staff, training, technology and equipment to facilitate this process. The transfer will also improve the dynamic utilisation of resources in those areas, including rapid response vehicles, intermediate care vehicles and emergency ambulances.

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