Declan Bree
Ceist:42 Mr. Bree asked the Minister for Health the reason an ambulance service has not been attached to a nursing unit (details supplied) in County Donegal in view of the need for this service in the area. [9715/95]
Written Answers. - Provision of Ambulance Service.
Limerick East): The provision of ambulance services in County Donegal is a matter for the North-Western Health Board in the first instance. The board carried out a review of ambulance development throughout its region in 1994. Following the review it was concluded that the location of the ambulance base at Dungloe District Hospital provides the most central location for the area referred to by the Deputy.
However, it is accepted that in cases such as cardiac emergencies, speed of intervention is critical in terms of survival rates. In these situations the Review Group on the Ambulance Service recommended the development and evaluation of a first line response capability based on general practitioners practices. The necessary medical equipment for such a service is being introduced in a number of areas throughout County Donegal, including that referred to by the Deputy and arrangements are also being made for the linking of the general practitioners involved, to the emergency communication network. This initiative will greatly improve access to early emergency care for those living in County Donegal.