A Co Cavan man has praised local healthcare staff for "saving his life." John Rynn who fell ill a number of weeks ago says he wouldn't be here today only for the work of ambulance personnel and staff at Cavan General Hospital. According to Mr Rynn ambulance staff arrived within approximately ten minutes of receiving the emergency call and was rushed to Cavan General Hospital where he spent five days in the Intensive Care Unit. While Mr Rynn understands that there are many concerns within the healthcare system that must be addressed by government, he believes it is also important to highlight the "incredible work" that is being carried out by healthcare staff at a local level and to also share the positive side of what is happening on a daily basis. The Cavan man believes that people should hear the "good side" of hospitals, adding that he has nothing but praise for staff at Cavan General Hospital.
While wishing John continued health and a speedy recovery, Monaghan councillor Paudge Connolly highlighted that there has been 200 delays for emergency cases like John's which took in excess of one hour for an ambulance call-out. Cllr Connolly praised positive stories like John's he also said it's important to highlight that 40% of callouts are unwarranted calls, something which he says is "total abuse" of the National Ambulance Service. According to Cllr Connolly, excessive waiting times for emergency ambulance call-outs across Monaghan and Cavan are "no reflection" on ambulance staff and paramedics. As a result, he has called for people to be aware of the detrimental impact that calling an ambulance for non-life threatening cases can have on those who actually need emergency care. Cllr Connolly explained; "I'm raising this issue in relation to the 200 delays for emergency cases like John's which took in excess of one hour. Many people just use the ambulance service as taxi service or as a method of jumping the que which is no longer possible might I add."
