David Cullinane
Ceist:2930. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health his plans for increasing National Ambulance Service whole-time equivalent staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39659/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 27 July 2021
Ceisteanna (2930)
Freagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may be aware, the Emergency Service Baseline and Capacity Review (submitted to Government in 2016) recommended significant investment in our ambulance services. In that context, the National Ambulance Service (NAS) is implementing a multi-annual programme involving manpower, vehicles and technology.
This year, in line with the Programme for Government commitment to continue to increase capacity in the National Ambulance Service, an unprecedented €187.5 million is being invested in these services. This includes €10m in development funding to facilitate the recruitment of 125 WTEs to progress priority areas in line with NAS strategic reform. Examples of strategic initiatives progressed in 2021 include:
- Continuing to target capacity deficits as identified in the NAS emergency service baseline and capacity review;
- Progressing the development of alternative patient care pathways;
- Strengthening the capacity of NAS critical care and retrieval services;
- Progressing the implementation of the Trauma System for Ireland.