Not the right response

Buncrana Town Councillor Joe Doherty has said a reply he received from the Health Service Executive (HSE) regarding the present position of the Rapid Response Vehicle in Buncrana is “not in any way encouraging and to say the least very negative.” Cllr Doherty received the reply from Pauric Sheerin, chief ambulance officer, at the recent Town Council meeting, which stated the project was “under constant review.’ It added: “While the vehicles may be regularly deployed to provide cover in certain areas, the project is not confined to those areas and this resource can be utilised in other areas, where demand dictates.” It continued by saying reviews carried out had been “disappointing” as they “reflect low call volumes” and were “stood down” at many scenes as another resource has arrived first. He also revealed discussions have now commenced with staff regarding the “deployment of Advanced Paramedics as lone responders.” However, Cllr Doherty told ‘the Inish Times the reviews had been ongoing for some time. He said: “When one reads the reply given, it seems they are having more reviews and assessments carried out, something that has been ongoing for the past six years and still, most importantly, with no commitment or visual service to the Buncrana area.” “I am certainly not satisfied with the present position and as a public representative I’m reflecting the views of the public at large. “This is something I’m fully committed to – the provision of full emergency and ambulance services from the HSE to this area. “As a first step, at the next meeting of Buncrana Town Council, I will be tabling a motion calling an immediate meeting with HSE/Ambulance Service to demand progress on this most unsatisfactory situation.”