The National Ambulance Service is facing significant challenges with demand for services exceeding capacity, impacting staff well-being and retention. The HSE recruitment freeze has affected middle management and specialist expertise. The NAS needs 1,080 additional staff to address immediate challenges. A strategic plan has been approved by the HSE Board but is awaiting Government sign-off. Emergency call volumes are expected to rise, with a 17.8% increase in the first nine months of last year. The Government is committed to investing in the NAS and transitioning it to a responsive mobile medical service. Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has yet to bring the plan forward to Cabinet.
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Demand for ambulance services impacting staff retention, HSE committee hears
