No planned ambulance service cuts - but HSE battling 'high levels of staff absence'

The HSE has confirmed it has actually increased the number of paramedics working in the south-west, but said illness and injury is causing gaps in its rosters

A statement issued by the HSE on Friday follows concerns in the past week about ambulance services in West Cork and Kerry. File picture: Larry Cummins

The HSE says that there is no reduction of ambulance services planned for the south west region, but acknowledges that local line managers have to deal with gaps in rosters because of “high levels of staff absence due to illness or injury”.

A statement issued by the HSE on Friday evening follows concerns in the past week about ambulance services in West Cork and Kerry.