Talks start to solve ambulance impasse
The HSE confirmed last night that talks between its ambulance service and union representatives have taken place in recent days.
It did not disclose the detail of the talks. However, it is understood certain proposals that could satisfy campaigners fighting to retain four ambulances in the region are being discussed.
The union representatives are now consulting with their members as the process enters a sensitive phase.
In a statement last night, the HSE said talks took place last week on its plans to modernise the ambulance service in the region as part of an ongoing nationalprogramme.
“A model of service to best suit the ambulance and pre-hospital care service needs of the people in West Cork was discussed,” a HSE spokesman said.
“The discussion centred around the national model, which is being implemented in other areas and includes:
*The replacement of the current “on call” with an “on duty” work practice;
*The deployment of a fleet of emergency vehicles and paramedics and advanced paramedics to provide treatment at the emergency scene;
*The routine transfer of patients between West Cork and city-based hospitals in “intermediate care vehicles”, which would free up emergency ambulances for emergency calls.
“The union representatives are consulting with their members and talks will continue to reach agreement on the best model of ambulance and pre-hospital service delivery for the people of west Cork,” said the HSE spokesman
West Cork SOS campaign spokesman Frank Fahy said the indications are positive.
“I understand that the proposals are in line with what the people of West Cork have been looking for all along,” he said.
“We are hoping that these negotiations will be completed within the next week.”
The HSE wants to modernise the ambulance service in the region by replacing one of its four ambulances with an emergency response vehicle, with paramedics moving from on-call to on-duty.
This model has been implemented in East Cork, but the West Cork SOS campaign are fighting to retain their region’s four ambulances.
