Siptu says new ambulance roster will lead to longer wait time for Cork & Kerry patients

Siptu's John McCamley warned that National Ambulance Service changes 'could have a detrimental effect on services'

Siptu organiser Rory Hawkins called on National Ambulance Service management to 'enter into meaningful dialogue on this issue with the union'. Stock picture: Chani Anderson

People calling ambulances in Cork and Kerry will likely face longer waits as a new roster continues to raise serious concerns among paramedics, the Siptu trade union has warned.

The union has called on ambulance management to reverse proposed cuts to overtime, announced suddenly to the union on Friday.

The measures will lead to reductions to services, union officials said, having first raised concerns over the weekend.

Siptu has rejected appeals to cooperate with the roster changes, which are set to begin on September 23.

Siptu sector organiser, John McCamley, said the proposed changes were announced by the National Ambulance Service management.

“Siptu representatives have grave concerns that the proposed changes could have a detrimental effect on services,” he said.

The changes will likely result in longer response times as ambulance crews will have to travel greater distances if vehicles are no longer crewed in specific stations. 

He added: “Regrettably, National Ambulance Service management is making these fundamental changes to roster arrangements while also engaging with Siptu representatives at the Workplace Relations Commission on the future of the ambulance service."

The union’s position is ambulance services in the region needs additional resources not cuts at this time.

Siptu organiser Rory Hawkins echoed these frustrations and said the union is calling on NAS management to “enter into meaningful dialogue on this issue with the union”. He urged: “Our members want to provide a dependable quality service for the public but it needs to be safely staffed and supplied with the relevant resources.” 

Siptu representatives will begin a process of engagement with members this week regarding this unilateral decision by management, he said.

Over the weekend, sources told the Irish Examiner that crews will have to cover much large geographical areas resulting in potentially “dangerously extended response times”.

It is understood there are in the region of 300 personnel in the NAS service in Cork and Kerry, which sources said is around 50 less than it should be.