Health Minister fast tracks HIQA investigation into Ambulance Service

An independent investigation into the ambulances service has been brought forward three months due to the serious issues involved.
Health Minister James Reilly confirmed the move by the Health Information Quality Authority during a meeting of the Oireachtas health committee.
Dr James Reilly said he believed standards are being maintained in the vital frontline service.
However, in light of a series of high-profile incidents in recent weeks, which have seen seriously ill patients left waiting on the sides of roads for help, Dr Reilly said the validity or not of widespread concerns needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
Donegal is one of three areas, that have witnessed issues surrounding ambulance availability in recent months, that will be investigated.
Maura Porter, from Churchtown died after being hit by a car close to her home on December 30th.
The 70-year-old was taken to Altnagelvin Hospital after a HSE ambulance took 50 minutes to arrive to the scene.
In response to that case, the National Ambulance Service Representative Association stated that it believes there are neither enough Ambulances nor staff to properly serve Donegal.