A new protocol that will allow some patients to be taken to Roscommon University Hospital is now in operation.
Under a newly agreed protocol between the National Ambulance Service and the Health Service Executive, some patients who meet strict clinical criteria, can be treated in Roscommon, instead of being brought to emergency departments at Galway University Hospital, Portiuncula Hospital or Mayo University Hospital.
It follows a similar agreement in the South and Mid-West and is one of the measures introduced to ease severe and consistent overcrowding at acute hospitals.
Ambulance paramedics are now permitted to bring patients with stable medical conditions directly to the medical assessment unit at Roscommon Hospital between 9am and 3pm.
Roscommon University Hospital's emergency department was closed in 2011.
"The new protocol, the first of its kind for Roscommon hospital since its emergency department closed in July 2011, will be particularly beneficial for older people who are more likely to fall under the medical criteria for treatment in Roscommon’s medical assessment unit," said Roscommon Galway TD Denis Naughten.
"This change in policy by the HSE will also release ambulances from hospitals far quicker allowing them to respond quicker to other emergency calls throughout the region," he added.
