90-year-old Mayo patient 'left waiting three hours for an ambulance'

A MEMBER of the HSE West Forum has claimed that Westdoc refused to attend to a 90-year-old patient in her home on September 10 last to carry out a procedure.

Instead, according to Councillor Michael Kilcoyne, it was advised that she be taken to Mayo University Hospital by ambulance. . .for which she had to wait three hours.

Speaking at a meeting of the forum, the Castlebar-based representative said the patient was also refused an ambulance to take her back to her home and she had to hire a private ambulance at a cost of €150.

“I want to know why Westdoc refused to attend her home? Why had she to wait three hours for an ambulance to come to take her to the hospital? Is the HSE satisfied with this level of service given to this 90-year-old woman?,” the independent councillor queried.

In response, Brian O’Keeffe, chief executive, Westdoc, said Westdoc cannot comment on any individual case without the consent of the patient.

“All calls received by Westdoc are triaged. This triage is carried out by either a nurse and, where deemed necessary, by a doctor.

“If in the opinion of either the nurse or doctor that based on medical evidence the patient is best served by attending a hospital, this is the advice given. Westdoc will provide assistance in contacting the ambulance service if necessary,” he added.