The National Ambulance Service (NAS) is stepping in to bolster the under pressure out-of-hours GP service Shannon Doc.
There are concerns however that the HSE’s ambulance service, which is already stretched, could suffered further if paramedics have to fill the gaps at ShannonDoc.
It’s understood that under the plan, NAS paramedics will respond to calls normally answered by ShannonDoc. They are expected to do so in NAS vehicles.
It’s also believed that there are concerns surrounding what treatments NAS staff can provide compared to GPs. Paramedics are not qualified to administer certain drugs (which advanced paramedics can).
The HSE has confirmed: “Currently there is a trial in the Northeast of the country where the National Ambulance Service (NAS) are supporting North East Doc (NEDOC) for a short period to help assist with increased demand for GP out of hours services.
A number of NAS Paramedics are assigned to this project and are providing support to the GP out of hours services by attending a patient who is in need of a home visit by a GP. The NAS Paramedic completes a clinical assessment of the patient and liaises with NEDOC GP, who will then make a clinical decision on next steps for the patient.
The Mid West Out of Hours service Shannondoc had its Winter Plan prepared well in advance of the Winter season. Shannondoc has a full complement of staff including GPs for the Mid West region, and has not sought assistance from the HSE in relation to support from the National Ambulance Service Paramedics.
Given the high volume of patients presenting to Shannondoc over the Winter period to date, the HSE has proposed trialling a similar initiative as outlined above in the Mid West to provide additional support in particular for patients who may require a home visit by Shannondoc.
This is currently being progressed,” the HSE spokesperson added.
Shannondoc was created in 2002 to provide an improved medical service to patients within the Mid-West region. Operating mainly “out-of-hours”, ensures that Shannondoc patients have continuous round-the-clock medical support outside of normal surgery hours.
