Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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358. To ask the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to deliver on promises made to the people of County Roscommon following the closure of the accident and emergency unit there, in view of criticism contained in correspondence from a consultant surgeon at the hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19620/15]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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There have been significant improvements in ambulance services in the Roscommon area since 2011. Currently, three ambulances during the day and two at night provide emergency cover in Roscommon town. In addition, a rapid response vehicle, crewed by an advanced paramedic, provides cover on a 24/7 basis.

It is important to note that the model of ambulance service delivery is changing. The service is moving away from the model of care where services are provided to a local area from a fixed ambulance base located in that area, and moving to a model of strategic deployment. In this context, the general area of Roscommon can be supported from the north by services from Boyle and Carrick-on-Shannon, to the east by crews in Longford and Mullingar and to the south from Athlone. Services are now coming on stream at Tuam and Mulranny stations which will enhance coverage across the region of north Galway, west Roscommon and east Mayo.

Refurbishment of the former Garda station at Loughglynn is now completed and discussions are under way in relation to the staffing of this facility. The Loughglynn station will allow for strategic placement of emergency ambulance resources during shifts, to ensure coverage across the region as required.

The Emergency Aeromedical Service (EAS), operated from Athlone by the Air Corps and staffed by NAS advanced paramedics, is also providing support to the people of the western region. The EAS provides swift transfers of seriously ill or injured patients to appropriate hospitals. Almost 1,000 missions have been completed since June 2012. Roscommon and Mayo are the two counties which have benefited most from the availability of the EAS.

The Deputy can be assured that I intend to drive further improvements to the ambulance service. In the next few months the NAS will receive the report of an independent capacity review, which, I hope, will provide guidance on the optimum deployment of resources, including deployment in specific geographic locations.