The Emergency Medical Helicopter Service is to be extended to the North West Region in light of Letterkenny Hospital’s recent flooding disaster.
Pat The Cope Gallagher MEP
Pat the Cope Gallagher MEP has received confirmation from the Minister for Heath, Dr. James Reilly, T.D. that the Emergency Aeromedical Support (EAS) service will now cover this region.
Mr. Gallagher wrote to the Minister for Health in the aftermath of the devastating flooding urging him to extend this emergency service to the North West.
For the past year the service has been used on a pilot basis mainly in the West of Ireland.
Mr Gallagher said the agreement will last for up to three months.
“Firstly, I am pleased that the Minister for Health has agreed to my suggestion,” he told Donegal Daily.
“In reply to my letter, the Minister stated that in relation to the continuation of the service, that he has agreed along with his colleague, the Minister for Defence, to an extension of aeromedical support by the Air Corps to the EAS service for a period of up to three months, pending receipt and consideration of the report on the review of the pilot.
“The north western area including Letterkenny General Hospital will be covered by the aeromedical support service during this period.”
“The Minister also stated that a review of the pilot EAS service has been completed and is being examined. Both immediate and longer term issues will be considered in the course of this examination, including the possibility of an all-Ireland service.”
Pat the Cope has thanked both Ministers for their immediate response to his request.