The HSE has rejected claims of impending cuts to ambulance services in Clare.
It follows reports that upcoming roster changes would leave Ennistymon without ambulance cover on Wednesdays, Scariff without cover on Thursdays and Kilrush without an ambulance service on Fridays.
In a statement to Clare FM, however the HSE says these are unfunded shifts but will still be covered by the National Ambulance Service, either through overtime or relief personell.
Clare Sinn Féin TD Donna McGettigan insists however that many staff are still concerned.
Listen to the full interview here
Statement from the HSE
It is not true to say that there will be no Ambulance cover, and there has been no reduction in service levels of the National Ambulance Service in Co Clare.
The NAS aims to ensure it is operating within its approved-funded staffing level. This means that the approved level of service can be maintained during all leave and training arrangements without relying on excessive overtime, which can be detrimental to overall staff wellbeing.
The shifts referred to by Deputy McGettigan are unfunded shifts, however, the NAS still covers them. Where possible, the NAS covers these shifts through the use of relief staff and if this is not possible, they are covered through the use of overtime.
