Increased ambulance service investment for Midlands and Birr welcomed

THE Director of the National Ambulance Service (NAS) Robert Morton has confirmed to Offaly TD Carol Nolan that investment approval has been agreed to provide for an additional 24/7 Emergency Ambulance that will be deployed to the Dublin Midlands Region which includes 24/7 cover for County Offaly.

The NAS Director also informed Deputy Nolan that recruitment has commenced to select candidates to commence an MS in Specialist Paramedic Practice (Community) with a view to future deployment to Birr.

Welcoming the news the Independent TD said the investment was a long overdue step in the right direction for a service that is operating under increased pressure and population growth challenges.

“For the last number of years, I have strongly advocated with Government and the NAS on the need for increased investment in our critical ambulance services. That is why I warmly welcome the confirmation I received today from the NAS Director with respect to the midlands and Birr,” said Deputy Nolan.

“Indeed, I have worked on this issue since 2022 following information provided to me which showed that in almost every month there was a failure to respond to Delta (life-threatening illness or injury, other than cardiac or respiratory arrest) emergency calls within the average target time for response of 19 minutes.”

“I will continue my constructive engagement with the National Ambulance Service where I will also continue to emphasise the need for a renewed focus on supporting schemes that ensure greater numbers of people can act as community first responders,” concluded Deputy Nolan.

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