IMPROVEMENTS TO AMBULANCE SERVICE IN CO. WEXFORD WELCOMED
Ambulance services in County Wexford are set to improve in the coming weeks.
The HSE has approved a plan which will see almost 24 hour cover across the county.
Currently during the daytime New Ross, Enniscorthy and Gorey have two 12 hour shifts (8am-8pm) and one 8 hour shift (10am-6pm) which is carried out on a rotation basis.
At night time this cover falls back to just two ambulances for the three towns. This means two towns will have an ambulance around the clock while one of the three towns will have cover from just 10am-6pm.
The rotation system has been put down to rostering arrangements and a lack of funding.
Due to its relative proximity to Wexford town Enniscorthy isn’t seen as urgent a case as Gorey.
The new changes are now set to come in around three weeks time.
Day time cover will be much stronger in all three towns and at night will be closed in one town for the earlier/quieter part of the week.
While on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday – all three towns will have night time cover.
Gorey at present has eight paramedics rostered between areas to make up 156 hours.
They will now stay at the Gorey base full time.
Wexford Sinn Fein councillor Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin has campaigned for this improvement in services for some time.
He’s welcomed the announcement saying it’s a huge breakthrough.
