Brendan Smith
Question:26. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health the way he will address the ongoing concern regarding the quality of the ambulance service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27053/14]
View answerWednesday, 25 June 2014
Questions (26)
Written answers
This Government is committed to improving the quality of our ambulance service and ambulance response times. The National Ambulance Service (NAS) is continuing the modernisation of its services, to ensure emergency pre-hospital care is delivered in an appropriate and timely manner. In that regard, additional funding of €3.6 million and 43 staff have been provided in the National Service Plan 2014.
As the Deputy may be aware, there are three reviews of the NAS currently underway. The NAS has commissioned a national capacity review, to determine the level and use of resources required for a safe and effective service. This independent review is being undertaken by the UK Association of Ambulance Chief Executives, an organisation with considerable international experience in operational and strategic reviews of this kind.
In the context of the development of the single national control and dispatch system, a review of the Dublin Fire Brigade (DFB) emergency ambulance service is also underway. This review was commissioned by the Dublin City Manager and the HSE’s Chief Operating Officer, and is considering all aspects of DFB ambulance operations, including the capacity and capability of current ambulance services. The review will inform consideration of the best model for the provision of emergency medical services in the greater Dublin area.
HIQA is undertaking a scheduled review of the NAS, examining the governance arrangements for pre-hospital emergency care services, to ensure the timely assessment, diagnosis, initial management and transport of acutely ill patients to appropriate healthcare facilities.
The three reviews are being conducted in parallel, in a concerted effort to examine our pre-hospital emergency care services throughout the country, with a view to identifying the best way to enable them to meet the challenges of the future. I am confident that the recommendations will guide us in the provision of a modern, forward looking service, capable of delivering the best possible outcomes for the public.