Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour)
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Yes. I see a significant role for such vehicles. It was outlined that they would be in place, but they are basically non-existent in the mid-west, for example. They are not available when they are needed. I encourage those who are taking part in conversations as part of the review to consider the role of those vehicles. The Chair knows about the position in the mid-west, with which we are familiar by sight and example. When we talk about bed-blockers, we should bear in mind that intermediate care vehicles can be used to facilitate the transport of patients in post-care to places like St. John's Hospital in Limerick and Nenagh and Ennis hospitals. Many of the services to which I refer stop on a Friday. The health service has to go seven days a week now. I would like those thoughts to be incorporated into the analysis that is being done.