Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

303. To ask the Minister for Health if the pathfinder programme from the National Ambulance Service in Limerick will also cover County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61404/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Pathfinder involves the National Ambulance Service and health and social care professionals working together to respond and treat people in the comfort of their home. The service enables staff to treat and assess the patient as well as provide the appropriate supports and follow up care to the patient, so that the patient does not need to be transported to a busy Emergency Department to receive care when there is no clinical need.

The Pathfinder alternative care pathway initiative commenced with Beaumont Hospital and in October 2022 Pathfinder was expanded to locations in Tallaght, Limerick and Waterford.  The NAS plans a further expansion of this initiative during 2023. 

I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy with any further information it may have.