SIPTU calls on Health Minister to ensure ambulance staffing levels are increased

SIPTU members in the National Ambulance Service (NAS) have renewed their call for the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly to “directly intervene” to ensure the recommendations of an independent review are implemented in an effort to solve the staffing crisis in the service.

SIPTU Sector Organiser, Ted Kenny said: “At the Joint Oireachtas Health Committee today NAS senior management backed the view of our union that implementing the recommendations of the Independent Review of Roles and Responsibilities in the NAS would help alleviate a worsening recruitment and retention crisis in the service.

“NAS management confirmed it is supportive of the implementation of the recommendations but that the issue currently lies with the Department of Health.

“We are renewing our call for the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly to intervene to ensure their implementation.”

Kenny said that the report’s recommendations have not yet been implemented by the relevant bodies.

“The Independent Review of Roles and Responsibilities Report was jointly commissioned by the NAS, SIPTU and the HSE in 2018.

“The report made several recommendations to address recruitment and retention issues within the service, to identify career pathways for staff and to update the roles and responsibilities of all grades within the service.”

He added: “An appropriately funded, supported and fully staffed NAS would be of huge benefit to the public and assist our members in their role of providing emergency care in our communities.”