Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 February 2018
28. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 89 of 15 November 2017, if the ambulance base has returned to UCHG; the status of discussions in respect of the base at Merlin Park University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6372/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Galway City Ambulance Base has been situated on a temporary site on the grounds of Merlin Park Hospital since the summer of 2014, to facilitate the construction of a car park on the grounds of the University College Hospital Galway. The relocation initially was to be of temporary duration of 6 – 8 months. However, due to other developments at University College Hospital Galway in the interim, the hospital is not in a position to accommodate the return of the Ambulance Base.
I am advised that while the temporary facility provided for the ambulance base is safe, there is a requirement to upgrade the facility as staff must now utilise this ambulance base for an extended period. Discussions are ongoing between the National Ambulance Service management, HSE Estates and National Ambulance Service staff regarding the temporary accommodation at Merlin Park in relation to refurbishment of the existing accommodation or the provision of suitable alternative solutions. Approximately €0.6m capital has been spent to date on the interim facilities at Merlin Park to accommodate the ambulance base.
The National Ambulance Service has been in contact with HSE Estates and hospital management in order to progress the improvements required for the temporary facility as well as the development of a permanent ambulance base on the grounds of Merlin Park. The National Ambulance Service has also engaged with staff on this issue. In relation to the new ambulance base at Merlin Park Hospital, the design team has been appointed and the project is currently in the latter stages of the design phase.
