Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 February 2014
619. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health if the Health Information Quality Authority investigation into ambulance service response times will specifically examine the death of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal on Monday, 30 December 2013; and if he will indicate the date on which those investigations are scheduled to commence and be completed and the report and recommendations issued. [4889/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe tragic incident referred to in the Deputy's question was the subject of a detailed review by the National Ambulance Service. This is standard procedure in events involving the NAS where there is an adverse outcome. Following the review in this particular instance, the NAS established, with Letterkenny General Hospital, an escalation process to address any capacity, activity or other challenges which may impede service delivery.
In general, the Health Information and Quality Authority does not investigate individual incidents. At my request, the Authority has agreed to bring forward the review of pre - hospital emergency care which had been due to commence in Q2 2014. The planning for that review has now commenced and it is anticipated that assessment of the services will start in Q1. HIQA will report on the findings and issue recommendations as soon as the review is completed.
