MAYO GP PUSHES FOR FLYING DOCTOR SERVICE
1 May1996
By TOM GILLESPIE
A HIGH powered Government body is to be told of the urgent need for the establishment of a flying doctor service in this country.
The multi-million pound plan proposes the siting of air ambulances at airports at Dublin, Cork, Belfast and Knock.
The case for the setting up of the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) has already been documented by a group of medical and aviation experts, headed by Dr. Jerry Cowley, chairman of the Irish Medical Organisation's Rural Doctors Group. Now Dr. Cowley from Mulranny is to address the Interdepartmental Air Ambulance Standing Committee comprising of representatives of the Departments of Health and Defence on May 24. The meeting has been set up by the Minister for Tourism and Trade Mr. Enda Kenny.
Health Minister Michael Noonan has sent the HEMS report to the Standing Committee for consideration. After they have been addressed by Dr. Cowley a set of recommendation will be forthcoming from the group.
Dr. Cowley said: "I will be making further submissions to the committee on the report and I will be available to answer any questions they might on the proposals." Knock Airport, he said, was an ideal base for one of the crafts to which a specially trained doctor and paramedic would be assigned.
Knock is also being considered as the location for the maintenance and upkeep of all of the helicopters as it has the space and the proper infrastructure.
Dr. Cowley said they welcomed the Government announced that a special helicopter was to be made available to the Gardai in the fight against crime.
He added: "This really strengthens our case because it would be a dedicated craft. This is exactly what we need. If they can justify a dedicated service for the Gardai what is more critical than having a dedicated craft to save lives."
Connaught Telegraph - News - May 1996
Connaught Telegraph - Sports - May 1996
