Claims that ambulance cuts 'puts lives at risk'

The HSE is being accused of putting lives at risk by cuts to the ambulance cover in Meath, as the number of ambulances operating on Fridays is cut from three to two.
New rostering introduced by the HSE means that instead of the usual three ambulances, only two will be stationed in the county during daytime hours on Fridays.
The move was described as very, very disturbing by GP and Save Navan Hospital spokesman, Dr Ruairi Hanley, while Deputy Ray Butler said he was horrified by the news.
Dr Hanley said that assuming the reports are true, the reduction of the ambulance service by one third puts people’s lives at risk.
“Any reduction in the ambulance service is a risk, given that it is possible to have at least two emergencies in a county the size of Meath at any one time,” he said.
Dr Hanley said it was another example of spending cuts targetting patients, rather than the grossly overstaffed inefficient bureaucrats that run the HSE.
Deputy Ray Butler said he was horrified that this was happening and would be contacting Minister James Reilly for an explanation,
“I fear for the safety of patients. The people at the coalface know what is happening and are concerned.”
“We need a strong ambulance service and I am horrified to think that something like this is happening as a cost saving measure,
“God Forbid that anywthing should happen when instead of three ambulances, there are just two.
A spokesperson for the HSE said the Labour Court had issued a recommendation directing the National Ambulance Service (NAS) and Trade Unions representing paramedical staff to address a number of  inefficiencies within its rostering arrangements.
“While there have been some concerns raised by staff and public representatives in relation to reduced levels of cover at certain ambulance stations, the NAS wishes to reassure the entire population of North Leinster that this is not the case. 
“Ambulances from adjacent stations will provide cover in a dynamic manner.  In addition, a Rapid Response Vehicle (RRV) will also operate in the Trim area to further augment services from Monday 5th August,” she said.
However, she agreed that the new vehicle will not be able to transport patients to hospital.
She said the National Ambulance Services’ objective is to ensure the highest quality of care is delivered in an appropriate manner all times.
She said the National Ambulance Service (NAS) was not a static service and as such deploys its resources in a dynamic manner.