Enniskillen’s new Ambulance Centre
CONCERNS about the ambulance service in Fermanagh have been raised at a council meeting following a story published in last week’s Herald.
Cllr Raymond Farrell proposed that the Council write to NIAS addressing concerns about ambulance provision in the region.
“I had a constituent who contacted me in terms of needing a 999 and had to wait four minutes before that call was responded too.
“They were told that there was no ambulance available at the time. I want to make it clear that this is no slur on ambulance staff, who I have utmost respect for their dedication and what they do, but I just want reassurances in terms of ambulance provision here particularly in the Fermanagh area as to what service is available at all times.”
Cllr Barry Doherty also added “I have had a constituent who had to wait four minutes and 19 seconds before they were told that there was no ambulance. We have seen the quick and good service there is at times, but that case that was brought to my attention and was quite concerning.”
Last week the Herald reported that the NIAS have said there has been no reduction in the number of ambulances covering the Enniskillen area, and have outlined to the Herald the level of local coverage.
“Enniskillen operates three 24/7, 365 days paramedic crews. Two Rapid Response Vehicle (RRV) paramedic crews, one RRV on a 12 hour shift from 08.00-20.00 and a second RRV from 14.00 to 12.00,” said an NIAS spokesman. “Therefore during the peak of the day, three A&E and 2 RRVs operate.”
In total, there are three accident and emergency day crews, three A&E night crews, two RRV paramedics until midnight, one paramedic station officer during the day, two single crew ICV vehicles for outpatient movements, two ICV crews for discharges, renal patients and hospital transfers, and one ICV crew doctors support vehicle.
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