Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 May 2023
378. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Health in relation to children requiring paediatric intensive care, and the fact transportation services only operate between the hours of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., if consideration will be given to extending the service to a 24-7 basis, in line with accepted emergency services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20207/23]
View answerThe National Ambulance Service (NAS) Critical Care & Retrieval Service (NAS-CCRS) delivers the model of care for retrieval services in Ireland. The NAS-CCRS provides a comprehensive retrieval/transfer system for seriously ill babies, children and adults throughout Ireland. The NAS provides CCRS services between hospitals for children aged between 4 weeks and 16 years through the Irish Paediatric Acute Transport Service (IPATS), as well as for infants aged under 6 weeks through its National Neonatal Transport Programme (NNTP). Delivery of these services is dependent upon partnerships between the NAS and the participating hospitals. In relation to the Deputy' specific inquiries concerning children requiring paediatric intensive care I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to him directly with any further pertinent information that it may have, as soon as possible.
