Full advanced paramedic roster secured for 'first time in three years'
Deputy Kerrane said this development would complete the roster for the first time in three years. Pic: Gareth Chaney/ Collins Photos
Sinn Féin TD for Roscommon/Galway Claire Kerrane has welcomed confirmation received by her from the Director of the National Ambulance Service (NAS) that a fourth advanced paramedic has been identified to work in Roscommon.
She said this would complete the roster for the first time in three years.
Kerrane has repeatedly raised the dangers of the roster not being fully covered and the impact on people in emergency situations.
Speaking today, Kerrane said: "This has been a very long road to get to this point but it was absolutely essential we got here.
"We have had a situation in Roscommon where the advanced paramedic roster was not filled by advanced paramedics. This roster is essential for the Rapid Response Vehicle based in Roscommon Town Ambulance Base.
"On the closure of the A&E in 2011, the people of Roscommon were promised a Rapid Response Vehicle on a 24/7 basis covered 24/7 by an advanced paramedic. That promise was broken and I could not let that be.
"In Roscommon, we are further to the next nearest A&E and so, this service is critical. In early 2023, the advanced paramedic roster began to be no longer limited to advanced paramedics despite the promises made.
"More recently, we have had the parking up of the Rapid Response Vehicle a night a week; this continues and it should not.
"The NAS clearly told the Minister that the Rapid Response Vehicle was being parked up a night a week (for 12 hours every Monday) due to difficulty filling the Advanced Paramedic roster.
“If that is true, then there should be no reason now when we will have a full roster this month, according to the Director, that the Rapid Response Vehicle shouldn't be restored to 24/7 cover. I have gone back to the Director to make this point.
"Of course, I don't believe filling the roster was ever the reason for removing the Rapid Response Vehicle on a 24/7 basis - overtime was paid to cover this shift and that overtime was pulled.
"Whatever reason the NAS want to give is irrelevant. I want the Rapid Response Vehicle returned to 24/7 cover immediately and I will continue to pursue this until that happens,” said Deputy Kerrane.
