In line with standard procedures following events with an adverse outcome, the tragic incident referred to in the Deputy's question has been the subject of a review by the National Ambulance Service (NAS). Following the review in this particular instance, the NAS has established an escalation process with Letterkenny General Hospital, to address any capacity, activity or other challenges which may impede service delivery.
In general, HIQA does not investigate individual incidents. However, at my request, HIQA has agreed to bring forward the review of pre - hospital emergency care, which had been due to commence in Q2 2014. The Authority will review the governance arrangements of pre-hospital emergency care services to ensure the timely assessment, diagnosis, initial management and transport of an acutely ill patient to an appropriate healthcare facility. Planning for the review has now commenced and HIQA is currently in the process of designing an Assessment Framework against the National Standards for Safer Better Healthcare.