Liam Kavanagh
Ceist:51 Mr. Kavanagh asked the Minister for Health the number of mobile coronary care units which are in operation in each health board area; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Mobile Coronary Care Units.
The provision of ambulance services is a matter for each health board in the first instance. I understand that the Irish Heart Foundation have supplied cardiac cars to four health boards as follows: Mid-Western Health Board, Limerick Regional; North-Eastern Health Board, Monaghan General Hospital; SouthEastern Health Board, Waterford Regional; North-Western Health Board, Sligo Regional. A cardiac car has also been provided by the Irish Heart Foundation to Beaumont Hospital, Dublin.
I have been informed that the only cardiac car currently in operation is the one supplied to the North-Western Health Board and stationed at Sligo Regional Hospital.
I am aware that difficulties have arisen in regard to the use of these cardiac cars. However, the provision of an effective response to cardiac calls is among the main areas to be examined in the major review of the ambulance service which is being undertaken by my Department, together with the health boards.