AN ongoing work-to-rule dispute has left the Health Service Executive (HSE) unable to track ambulance handover delays at Letterkenny University Hospital.
More than 1,000 ambulances arrive at the hospital each month on average, with many experiencing significant delays before patients can be handed over, the Regional Health Forum West has heard.
At Tuesday’s meeting, Sinn Féin councillor Gary Doherty raised concerns about the length of time ambulances are waiting outside the emergency department.
He warned that these delays are having a knock-on effect, preventing crews from responding promptly to emergencies in the wider community.
The councillor requested detailed data from the HSE on ambulance handover times, he said that such information would be vital for improving the system and informing public representatives.
“I don’t know how we can rectify the situation and get the full picture unless we have that raw data,” he said.
However, the HSE confirmed it could not provide the requested figures.
Brendan McGovern, General Manager with the National Ambulance Service, acknowledged that delays are occurring but said a nationwide work-to-rule by unions has halted the use of key tracking systems.
“There is a national work to rule from the unions on the use of what we call arrival screens at ED, which would track the arrival times of ambulances to handover to the patient and then from handover to clear for the ambulances.
“So we have the ability to track it but it’s not being used at the minute.”
Mr McGovern added that NAS are acutely aware of the impact of these delays.
“Our own colleagues, our own crews are very much aware for every moment they spend in ED they are not spending it in the community responding to the next call.
“That is something we are acutely aware of and willing to address as much as we can.”