Timmy Dooley
Question:62. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Health how he proposes to address ongoing concerns regarding the ambulance service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27588/15]
View answerThursday, 9 July 2015
Questions (62)
Written answers
The National Ambulance Service (NAS) has undergone significant reform and modernisation in recent years and this continues in 2015. Key to the reform is the development of a single national control system and the rationalisation of control centres to one national centre. This project is introducing better technology and improving response times. Developments such as national digital radio, computer aided dispatch, mobile data and electronic patient care reporting will allow the NAS to deploy resources more effectively and efficiently, on a national rather than a small geographic basis.
I was pleased to recently open the new state of the art facility for the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) in the Rivers Building in Tallaght. This building is at the core of the NAS command, control and dispatch service, where 112/999 calls are received and emergency paramedic teams are dispatched. The facility enables the NAS to see all available paramedic teams and vehicles in real time, ensuring that the closest available resource is dispatched to an emergency as soon as a call is received.
Wexford, the only remaining regional centre, will transfer to the NEOC later this year. Discussions are underway with Dublin Fire Brigade, with a view to integrating ambulance call taking and dispatch for the Dublin area and making the best use of HSE and Dublin Fire Brigade ambulance resources on a real-time basis.
A €5.4m budget increase in 2015 is helping to address service gaps, particularly in the west, by reforming rostering and staffing additional stations. Tuam and Mulranny stations have now commenced operations and discussions are nearing conclusion concerning staffing of a newly refurbished facility at Loughglynn. This facility is expected to open shortly. The number of community first response teams is expanding, with 123 teams now operating. The Emergency Aeromedical Support Service continues to provide rapid access to appropriate treatment for very high acuity patients.
I am confident that all of these measures will further improve our ambulance service in 2015.