Apology from Ambulance Service over slow response

Apology from Ambulance Service over slow response

15 April 2015

THE South Eastern Trust said it “regrets” to learn of Mrs Carolan’s recent experience and confirmed she was seen and treated within four hours of arrival at the Ulster Hospital. 

A spokeswoman said she arrived at 4.20 am and was discharged with appropriate pain relief at 7.15 am.

“Mrs Carolan presented with an acute flare up of a chronic condition that had already been treated with analgesia by the Ambulance Service and her symptoms had eased by the time she arrived at the emergency department,” said the spokeswoman.

”She was treated and discharged with no further emergency care required. The Trust would wish to assure Mrs Carolan that her assessment and treatment whilst at the Ulster ED was appropriate.”

In respect of Mrs Carolan’s wait for surgery, the spokeswoman said inpatient surgery is only carried out in the Ulster Hospital. She said the Downe Hospital has not carried out inpatient surgery for many years now and so would never be an option for Mrs Carolan.

The spokeswoman added: “Mrs Carolan did not attend for surgery on July 29, 2013 and, as a result, was subsequently 

discharged per Trust policy. 

She was added again to the surgical waiting list on January 15 this year as non-urgent. Regrettably, due to demand exceeding capacity, the average wait for this procedure is currently 36 weeks.

“The Trust acknowledges that this wait is much longer than it would wish for and would assure Mrs Carolan that we are continuing to work with the Health and Social Care Board to secure the necessary funding to address the increased demand and improve waiting times for surgery. We would ask Mrs Carolan to contact us directly in order that her concerns can be discussed in more detail.”