Seanad debates

Thursday, 14 April 2005

11:00 am

Photo of Ulick BurkeUlick Burke (Fine Gael)

On a Sunday evening three weeks ago, a serious road accident involving a young man on a motorcycle occurred in County Galway. The first person on the scene contacted six GPs in the nearby town only to discover none were on duty. The answering machine informed the individual to contact the out-of-hours service, Westdoc. However, the doctor on duty had gone to attend a patient in south Roscommon. When the individual asked for an ambulance, he was informed it would take up to one hour. When the individual asked if the patient could be moved from the ground, a nurse was called who said the injured man should be put in a private car. When they arrived outside the accident and emergency ward at Galway University Hospital, the driver was told to get a wheelchair to bring in the injured man. When the driver said it was too dangerous due to the seriousness of the injury, he was informed somebody would attend. After 20 minutes, the same request was made with the same row ensuing. Four paramedics arrived on the scene upset that the injured party was brought to hospital in such a way. This is the health service in rural Ireland. It is an example of the delivery of a world class health service by the Department of Health and Children.

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