My Department and the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Belfast, commissioned a feasibility study and report on the costs and benefits associated with the introduction of a dedicated helicopter emergency medical service, HEMS, for the island of Ireland.
The final report of the consultants appointed to undertake the study has recently been received by both Departments. The report is under consideration in the context of the strategic development of the pre-hospital emergency care service and will be the subject of discussion by the two Departments at a meeting scheduled for 26 February.