Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will start with Deputy Murphy's question. It would break one's heart to hear about baby Jacob. If I understand the Deputy correctly, the support package has been sanctioned but is not being implemented. It could well be the case that the HSE is finding it difficult to get the staff through an agency or directly-employed HSE staff. However, we will follow up on that case. A note has been taken on it. If the Deputy provides Jacob's date of birth, address and contact details, I assure her we will follow up on the case and do the best we can to try to resolve it.

I thank Deputy Tóibín for raising the issue of the bypass protocol. As he will be aware, an ambulance bypass protocol is already in place for patients who suffered a stroke, heart attack or major trauma and those in need of paediatric and obstetric care. From 12 December, the existing ambulance bypass protocols in place for Navan will be updated to address urgent patient safety matters for patients who are critically or seriously unwell, or likely to deteriorate. Contrary to some reports, the emergency department in Navan will not close this month. From 12 December, patients who are acutely ill will no longer be brought to Navan by ambulance. Instead, they will be taken to the nearest appropriate hospital, depending on their condition. This is an important patient safety measure and will help minimise delays in providing life-saving treatment to acutely ill patients. However, it is not the wider ambulance bypass protocol that had been suggested.

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