‘Matter of time’ before lack of South Donegal ambulances ‘causes’ a loss of life

A Donegal County Councillor has argued that “the lack of ambulances and crews in South Donegal” could result in the loss of life.

Cllr Noel Jordan, a Mountcharles-based Sinn Féin councillor, raised the issue of the urgent need for additional ambulances and crews to be provided for South Donegal.

He said: “Government need to immediately provide additional ambulance services in South Donegal. 

"I am raising this after our party leader, Mary Lou McDonald, raised the issue of Stephen Lavelle in the Dáil last week. Stephen was from North Mayo and passed away with no ambulance being able to attend to him despite repeated frantic calls from family. 

"It is only a matter of time before the lack of ambulances and crews in South Donegal causes a similar incident and loss of life. This is something campaigners in our county, with the help of Sinn Féin, have been raising now for a long time. 

READ NEXT: Donegal LGFA players to attend new Lidl Bundoran store opening

"It is our view that our calls are being listened to, as we do expect an announcement regarding this matter in the coming days. However, getting an additional ambulance and crew is only one small part of what is required, given the current crisis in the county at the moment. 

"The stresses on Letterkenny University Hospital are causing a knock-on crisis across the county concerning ambulances. The hospital has become a car park for ambulances that are not able to admit patients because of overcrowding. 

"This is a serious issue for LUH and the ambulance service across the county - people are being taken to hospital but find themselves waiting for hours in the ambulance in the carpark. This then ties up ambulances and crews and makes them unable to answer calls.

"As much as I welcome any additional ambulances and crews for south Donegal, it has to be considered the least that is required, given the crisis that has emerged with ambulances in the county. 

"Ambulance delays cost lives, and it has long been understood that additional ambulance services are required for South Donegal. 

"Rest assured, we will not stop until South Donegal gets the services it requires."