From today, anyone in Monaghan who needs an ambulance may be seen at Monaghan Hospital instead of being transported to Cavan or Drogheda hospitals for treatment. Under a new scheme the National Ambulance Service and Monaghan Hospital have agreed a programme that will allow for some patients to be transferred directly to the hospital if they meet strict criteria.
The programme which involves strict clinical and geographical criteria will see a small cohort of stable medical patients transferred by NAS to the local facility. Other positive developments include extended hours of opening from 8am until 8pm seven days a week instead of the usual five. Senator Robbie Gallagher was aware of a similar scheme being rolled out in Roscommon since January and has observed it's success there.
He said the new plans will have layered benefits. In the first instance, pressure on the EDs in Cavan and Drogheda hospitals will be alleviated, reducing waiting times there. The fact, that Monaghan will treat non-serious conditions turnaround times there should also be relatively faster.
"As of today, Monday, ambulance personnel will be able to transport certain patients with certain ailments directly to Monaghan injures unit for treatment as opposed to being taken to Cavan or Drogheda," Senator Gallagher told Northern Sound, "The idea being here that by going to Monaghan, you'll be alleviating pressure on Drogheda and Cavan, which, is a positive development."
