Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein)
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Question 535: To ask the Minister for Health if he will clarify the future status of the west Cork ambulance service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33119/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The HSE has confirmed to me that no ambulance stations are closing in Cork and Kerry. In fact, the opposite is true, as stations move to on-duty status and away from on-call. This means our highly trained paramedic crews will be on site in their stations to respond to calls, rather than having to go to the station when called out. It also means that resources can be deployed dynamically across an area, based on need and demand patterns, rather than tied to any one specific location, producing more flexibility and responsiveness. This will lead to better response times for the people in Cork and Kerry and a better service Paramedics will be present at all times, with an on-duty ambulance during the day and an on-duty rapid response vehicle at night. The dynamic delivery model means that an on-duty emergency ambulance will be available from what is systematically assessed to be the best available location within the region as required.

I note that ambulance staff sought the elimination of on-call working, that it has already been reduced from 44 hours to 16 hours per week, and that it will continue to decrease on a phased basis, as part of the improvement of services and response times in the region. There are ongoing discussions with staff on implementing the proposals. The HSE and Unions are committed to this process. The NAS proposals are phased. In phase 1, stations in East Cork which currently have night time on-call will have crews rostered on-duty 24/7, 365 days a year. The more rural stations (Castletownbere, Kenmare, Bantry, Caherciveen, and Skibbereen) will be in later phases. The service will be evaluated after each phase.

Current evidence suggests patient outcomes can be improved by better treatment and stabilisation at the scene, followed by ongoing treatment and transport to the most appropriate centre, even if that means longer transport times. On-duty service will enable a modern emergency response service, involving paramedics, advanced paramedics, community first responders and GP out of hour services working together to respond to emergency situations. This approach is consistent with international best practice and will ensure compliance with HIQA response times and quality standards. On-duty rostering is one of several service enhancements. Other developments include improved arrangements for control and dispatch, practitioner deployment and inter-hospital transfers. All of these will allow the National Ambulance Service to provide a better, safer, more comprehensive and more efficient emergency ambulance service to the people of Cork and Kerry.