These efficiency savings are required under the NI Executive’s Comprehensive Spending Review.
Following a Trust Board meeting, NIAS is recommending that paramedic rapid response vehicle cover will be increased along with measures to reduce unnecessary demands on emergency ambulances.
Following the meeting, the Minister said: "These proposals will come to me for consideration and I will consider them carefully.
"Under the Trust's recommendations, the number of Rapid Response Vehicles (RRVs) hours will be increased to improve paramedic response throughout Northern Ireland. RRVs can get potentially life saving treatment to patients quickly until an A&E ambulance arrives.
“I will be looking at these proposals closely to ensure that there is no overall reduction in paramedic hours in Northern Ireland. I understand that the number of paramedic hours – meaning the total A&E and RRV response – will increase by 65,800 hours to over 600,000 hours of cover as a result of these proposals.”
The NIAS has also made a number of proposals to reduce the use of emergency ambulances where it is not appropriate for them to be used, to free up this valuable resource for life-saving emergency calls. This includes the introduction of clinical assessment of non-life-threatening 999 calls and using alternative vehicles such as Intermediate Care Vehicles to provide patient transportation, where clinically appropriate.
The Minister continued, "I realise that there has been a high level of public concern in relation to efficiency proposals and in particular around emergency cover in rural areas. I welcome that the Trust has now reviewed its proposals for rural areas as a result of the public consultation.
“Over the next three years, I will investing some £30million in our ambulance service, enabling it to modernise its estate, refresh its fleet and invest in the latest equipment. This investment will also permit further improvement in ambulance response times and patient care.
“I will now consider these recommendations carefully to ensure that the service consistently delivers the safe and high quality care patients expect and deserve.”
Notes to editors:
1. Press enquiries to the DHSSPS Press Office on 028 90520575. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
