New agreement on transfer of 'some patients to to RUH Injury Unit
An ambulance transports the first patient to the Medical Assessment Unit at Roscommon University Hospital back in January.
Some patients will now be able to be transferred directly to Roscommon University Hospital's (RUH) Injury Unit by ambulance if they meet strict criteria under a new agreement.
The programme was agreed by the National Ambulance Service (NAS) and the hospital and was announced last week.
Earlier this year, a similar pathway was agreed for patients to be brought to the hospital's medical assessment unit, again under strict conditions, in an effort to reduce emergency department overcrowding.
Under the new agreement, the National Ambulance Service paramedics will transfer patients with minor injuries to the unit. Patients that meet the agreed clinical criteria and live within the catchment area will be referred to RUH instead of an emergency department when it is safe to do so.
The pathway will result in patients receiving medical treatment in a hospital closer to their home and will release ambulances more quickly to respond to other emergency calls. 112/999 patients that do not meet these clinical criteria will continue to be transported to Emergency Departments for assessment and treatment.
Ann Cosgrove, Chief Operations Officer with the Saolta University Health Care Group, which oversees RUH, welcomed the move. “This pathway involves a clear definition of patient groups who would benefit from such a referral. This is essential so that all healthcare professionals concerned, including paramedics and doctors, can be assured that we are bringing the right patients to the right location.”
John Joe McGowan, Chief Ambulance Officer, West added: “Many patients who present to the emergency department have non-urgent care needs that could be treated through an Injury Unit. Opening this pathway will allow our paramedics to bring patients to the most appropriate location in RUH for their treatment.” The programme which involves strict clinical and geographical criteria will see a small cohort of patients with minor injuries transferred by NAS to the injury unit for treatment, the Saolta Hospital Group said.
The injury unit is open seven days a week from 8a.m. to 8 p.m. to treat a range of injuries in both adults and children over five years of age. You don’t need an appointment or a GP referral.
the cost to attend the Injury Unit is €75. There is no charge for patients with full medical cards or with a valid medical/GP referral letter.
