Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I know, but there are injury units in the mid-west and they are going to be expanded. The Deputy is right. To me, that is elementary and should be pursued. There is also the alternative pre-hospital pathway that has been developed since September of this year between the UL Hospitals Group and the National Ambulance Service, which will see definitive care provided in the community to patients who call 999 or 112 and reduce the numbers of ambulances bringing patients directly to the emergency department. That involves specialist emergency medicine doctors and National Ambulance Service personnel responding to low acuity ambulance calls. Again, that is from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. We have to work to extend the time. It is, however, a very good service and idea. The medical assessment unity pathway is for 112 and 999 patients in Ennis and Nenagh hospitals. That has now been extended to St. John's Hospital. Generally speaking, I agree with the thrust of the Deputy's argument. Much of that work is under way.

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