Two hundred paramedics lined up for winter Covid swab surge

National Ambulance Service staff would work at pre-arranged sites around the country. They would be backed up by private swabbing providers. These would combine to give the HSE the potential of collecting 45,000 swabs every week during a surge.

The HSE is preparing to have up to 200 paramedics ready to take 25,000 swabs every week in case of further waves of Covid-19 infections this winter.

Board meeting minutes also show unease at the continuing high spend on Covid-related care, along with growing concern at high staff turnover linked to emigration.