asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the recent decision limiting the ambulance service available to the District Hospital, Ballina, County Mayo; if he is also aware of the deep dissatisfaction of the people of Ballina and hinterland regarding this decision; and if he will take steps to instruct the Western Health Board to have a 24-hour service available at that hospital.
Written Answers. - Ballina (Mayo) Ambulance Service.
281.
The provision of ambulance services at the District Hospital, Ballina, is primarily a matter for the Western Health Board.
The board has reviewed its expenditure in the light of the current financial situation and has introduced certain economies in its services, including the ambulance service.
Having examined the ambulance service provided at Ballina District Hospital, including the volume of ambulance calls received between 1 a.m. and 9 a.m. at that centre over a period of time, the Western Health Board decided that calls received at Ballina during these hours could be effectively answered from the main ambulance centre at Castlebar which is 22 miles from Ballina and which has full 24-hour cover. Ambulance services will continue to be provided from Ballina District Hospital between the hours of 9 a.m. and 1 a.m.
The Western Health Board is satisfied that the revised arrangements, which are effective from 1st October 1982 will provide adequate ambulance cover for the Ballina area.