Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As well as front-line urgent and emergency care, the NAS is also developing and expanding a range of clinically appropriate alternative care pathways to improve patient flow and reduce pressure on busy hospital emergency departments. The medical assessment unit, MAU, pathway for 999 patients introduced in Ennis Hospital treats patients referred by GPs, out-of-hours services, including Shannondoc, and National Ambulance Service paramedics. Last year, the NAS transported 430 patients to mid-west MAUs, including Ennis.

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the NAS plans to roll out additional community paramedics this year to various areas of the country. Community paramedics respond to low-acuity calls to facilitate more appropriate use of emergency care resources and enhance access to care for patients, contributing to more favourable health outcomes. I am informed that it is planned to include County Clare in this year's roll-out.

I understand the point Deputy Crowe makes. We all have experience of situations where we have to call an ambulance, for example, for an elderly parent. It can be very distressing. I assure the Deputy that there has been no change to the National Ambulance Service roster in County Clare in recent months. It is important to put that on the record of the Dáil. There has been no reduction in service levels in County Clare. Triage is a very difficult situation. I compliment all those who work across the country as first responders. They do an amazing job. I also acknowledge Angela Coll for all her advocacy on healthcare in the Clare region.

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