Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)

I am taking this matter on behalf of my colleague, the Minister for Health, Deputy James Reilly.

The national ambulance service provides pre-hospital emergency care, as well as emergency and some non-emergency patient transport. Non-emergency transport comprises inter-hospital transfers and patient transport from home to health facility and from health facility to home. It includes both Health Service Executive and private transport providers.

The HSE has not taken any decisions to withdraw services. However, the executive is operating within serious budgetary constraints and must take the necessary actions to live within budget. The Minister has instructed the HSE generally not to withdraw any services from acute hospitals unless and until he receives a full briefing on the details of what is proposed, alternative arrangements to be put in place and the overall implications for patients.

Supported by the Department of Health and the Health Information and Quality Authority, the national ambulance service is working to improve the management and integration of its services. This involves a reduction to two ambulance control centres nationally, with appropriate technology; a clinical lead for pre-hospital care; development and implementation of new performance indicators for pre-hospital care; and development of standard national criteria for non-emergency patient transport.

There are several systems of support in place for cancer patients who have to travel for treatment, through community welfare office services and the Travel2Care scheme. The latter is being implemented on a phased basis in line with the transfer of cancer services to the eight designated cancer centres and the approved satellite centre in Letterkenny for patients for whom the transfer of services would otherwise cause financial hardship. The scheme which is funded by the national cancer control programme and administered by the Irish Cancer Society provides some financial help towards the cost of public transport such as trains or buses, private transport costs, or petrol and parking costs.

The national ambulance service has undergone significant change in order to ensure quality, safety and value for money. In line with other clinical areas, this process is ongoing as clinical needs and standards develop. These developments are in the best interests of patients and a key part of the Government's work to ensure high quality emergency care. If we are to provide the best of care for patients with high-end medical needs - people who are already worried and stressed because of their condition - we must do all in our power to ensure we do not exacerbate that worry. I completely agree with the Deputies in this regard and will bring the matter to the Minister's attention in the morning.

I take the opportunity to thank Deputy Dara Calleary for his unceasing support and great advice on Adjournment matters. I appreciate his assistance.

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