Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 February 2024
21. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that the advanced paramedic roster put in place in County Roscommon after the closure of the accident and emergency unit is restored in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9148/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to acknowledge the commitment of the National Ambulance Service in delivering essential pathways to support access to care for patients in County Roscommon and across the country.
The Government is investing over €227m in the NAS this year, an increase of €58m over the 2019 allocation. This investment has helped raise NAS staffing to 2,338 WTEs at end January 2024, a growth of 38% or 644 WTEs in eight years.
The HSE has informed me that a vacancy arose on the County Roscommon Emergency Ambulance roster last year. In December 2023, the NAS attempted to fill this vacancy through a national transfer process but was unsuccessful. I have been informed that following updating of 2024 staff allocations, NAS will soon be positioned to seek a suitable candidate for the position.
In terms of building NAS capacity, I recently met with the Director of the NAS to discuss future service developments and to identify opportunities for increased training capacity.
Increased staffing in Roscommon in recent years has supported the operation of three 24/7 ambulance bases and the rollout of pathways that allow patients be transported by NAS to the Medical Assessment and Local Injury Units at Roscommon University Hospital.
These initiatives, together with the NAS Clinical Hub and Pathfinder alternative care pathways across the country, are vital in transforming urgent and emergency care and improving patient access to care.
