Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 January 2023
497. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health if the results of a pilot scheme launched on 1 October 2022 was a feasibility study of the ambulance service bringing patients to Mallow General Hospital instead of Cork University Hospital in Cork city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2743/23]
View answerIn September 2022, the National Ambulance Service (NAS) commenced a pilot project involving the transportation of certain patients to Mallow General Hospital (MGH) instead of patients being directly conveyed to a hospital emergency department. The pilot project operated according to strict clinical and other criteria being met before patients were transported to MGH. I am advised that the pilot project was successful and that this alternative care pathway is now in operation. I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to him directly on this matter with any further information they may have, as soon as possible.
