Ambulance crews appeal for ‘capacity review’

Ambulance crews have called for an independent “capacity review” of the service’s equipment and personnel levels over fears chronic gaps in the system are causing needless patient deaths.

Siptu issued the plea for action to the HSE, the Health Information Quality Authority and State body the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council during a heated discussion yesterday.

At a four-hour Oireachtas health committee meeting organised after a spate of high-profile deaths linked to ambulance delays, the leading union told politicians resources mean the system cannot meet demand.