Call for action as ambulance coverage declines in Leitrim, Sligo, Roscommon and Cavan
Sligo-Leitrim TD Martin Kenny has called for a detailed workforce plan for the National Ambulance Service
Sinn Féin TD for Sligo-Leitrim Martin Kenny has expressed his concern over the falling level of ambulance cover across Sligo, Leitrim, Roscommon and Cavan.
His comments come as some parts of the region are regularly left without ambulance cover as a result of understaffing.
Speaking today, Teachta Kenny said: "A number of months ago I raised the concern of paramedics and ambulance staff about their stretched resources on the floor of the Dáil with the Taoiseach, and indeed last year I spoke openly of my concern for ambulance response times across the northwest.
"Due to a shortage of staff, the HSE is failing to provide coverage across the region regularly, and existing staff are struggling with their overburdened work hours.
"The vital staff on the cold face of emergency medical services have been pushed beyond their limits for quite some time.
"We must see a detailed workforce plan for the National Ambulance Service that can meet the needs of patients and staff, especially across the northwest."