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The Health Service Executive (HSE) has confirmed that there are no reductions to National Ambulance Service (NAS) operations in the South West region. On the contrary, additional staff have been deployed over the past year to bolster the service.

The HSE addressed concerns raised about the emergency ambulance services, reassuring the public that existing services will continue to operate from all current Ambulance Stations.

Key Updates:

• Since September 2023, 32 additional paramedics have been deployed to the South West, including seven Paramedic Interns who joined the service in August.
• More Paramedic Interns are expected to join the NAS in December upon successfully completing their final exams.
• Local Line Managers are actively managing challenges arising from staff absences due to illness or injury. The aim is to reduce reliance on overtime, which can negatively affect staff health, while maximising resource efficiency.
• In both the short and medium term, the HSE is consulting with trade unions on optimal staff deployment to ensure continued and future service delivery. Invitations for consultation were issued in early August, and meetings were held in September, with more discussions scheduled.

The emergency ambulance services in the South West are provided from a network of stations in Cork, Kerry, and surrounding areas, with support from adjacent regions and Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) bases.

The HSE has reiterated that all staff are rostered for 39 hours per week, with services available 24/7.