HSE MUST MAINTAIN RAPID RESPONSE SERVICES IN MID-WEST: KELLY

Issued : Monday 10 October, 2016

Labour Tipperary TD and Spokesperson on Health, Alan Kelly, says any move to cut rapid-response emergency ambulance services in Tipperary and Clare is completely unacceptable.

In a statement to media today, the HSE confirmed the National Ambulance Service has started a review in the Mid-West region, including the provision of rapid response vehicles operated by Advanced Paramedics in Tipperary and Clare, as part of its continuous assessment of operational performance to improve patient-care service provision.

Deputy Kelly says the rapid response units provide an incredible and life-saving service and must be maintained.

“I’m calling on the HSE to confirm that it’s looking at increasing- rather than decreasing- the number of rapid response units provided, and furthermore on Minister Simon Harris to confirm that this is the case, as peoples’ lives would be put at risk by any cut to this service.

In 2009, the A and E departments at Ennis and Nenagh were changed to minor injury units- and as a result, these rapid response units were put in place. The size and geography of the Mid-West hasn’t changed, and it’s important that paramedics get to people in difficulty as quickly as possible.

I want to ensure that the government maintains the units and that those Mid-West representatives supporting the government, including Dr Michael Harty and Michael Lowry, guarantee that the units will be maintained.

This follows on from a cut in Shannondoc services in Co Clare and Dr Harty in particular, who was the champion of rural health services, has questions to answer over this- and will have further questions to answer if the rapid response units are changed. In fact his position will be untenable given the mandate he got elected on. “