Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 10 Mar 1993

Vol. 427 No. 7

Written Answers. - Ambulance Service.

Seán Barrett

Ceist:

22 Mr. Barrett asked the Minister for Health if he will re-establish an ambulance control base at Loughlinstown, County Dublin; if he has satisfied himself that all the ambulance personnel based at Loughlinstown receive sufficient training in health and safety and are provided with proper safety equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Mr. Howlin)

Arrangements for the provision of ambulance services in the Eastern Health Board area are a matter for the Eastern Health Board in the first instance.

I understand from the board that, prior to 1988, it operated two ambulance control centres in the greater Dublin area, one based at Loughlinstown Hospital and one based at St. James's Hospital. In order to avail of improved technology and to utilise its resources more effectively, the board decided to develop a centralised ambulance control centre for the greater Dublin area. The board is confident that this has resulted in improved planning and scheduling of the ambulance workload and the provision of a more effective service to the public. The board's development of a single centralised control centre for an operational area conforms with both national and international developments in the provision of emergency services.

In regard to training of ambulance personnel, I have been advised by the Eastern Health Board that it conforms fully to the requirements of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work regulations. In addition, all ambulance personnel are required to undergo the national basic training course in ambulance aid which includes instruction in specific areas of health and safety e.g. lifting techniques and personal hygiene.

I understand from the board that equipment is issued to ambulance personnel in accordance with the recommendations of the National Ambulance Council. However, there is an ongoing monitoring of the risk factor involved in the work of ambulance personnel and, where a degree of risk is identified as requiring additional safety equipment, this will be supplied by the board

The Deputy will be aware that a major review of ambulance services nationally is currently being completed by my Department, together with the health boards. It is the intention that the forthcoming recommendations of the Ambulance Review Body in relation to the provision of these services will be taken into account by the health boards when considering any future developments.