6,000 reasons to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Air Ambulance in our region – Feighan
The Minister of State at the Department of Health Frank Feighan has paid tribute to the Air Ambulance Service this week as it celebrates its 10 years in operation later in June 2022.
The service was introduced in Athlone following the decision around the A&E service at Roscommon Hospital.
Since June 2012 the service has responded to over 6,000 calls (or tasks) ensuring many lives have been saved.
“While decisions around the A&E at Roscommon in 2011 were very difficult at that time one of the positives that has come from that decision was the setting up of the Air Ambulance.
“I would like to pay tribute to the Irish Air Corp and the advanced paramedics at the national ambulance service who have performed their duties with diligence and professionalism on behalf of the people of Roscommon and surrounding counties for almost 10 years now.
“The last 10 years has seen many positive developments including the ‘walk in’ injury unit (GP or self-referral) which is open 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm.
“Before Christmas I was delighted to jointly visit Roscommon Hospital alongside my colleague the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly TD. We were both really impressed with the work of the injury unit and the many other outpatient services provided for the people of Roscommon and beyond. It was very evident to see from our visit the dedication and professionalism of the excellent staff and management there.
“In 2012 all seemed to have been lost but now 10 years we can reflect and say that Roscommon is busier, bigger and importantly a lot safer for patients. I believe that under the new configuration a lot of lives have been saved”
“I believe that under the new configuration at Roscommon Hospital and the provision of the air ambulance has ensured that a lot of lives have been saved and that the people of this region are served with better and safer emergency services”, concluded Minister Feighan.