What happened to Stephen Lavelle in Mayo?

Stephen Lavelle became gravely ill and passed away after his family drove him to the hospital due to a delayed ambulance response.

Why was there a delay in ambulance service in Mayo?

The article suggests a severe crisis and understaffing in the ambulance service led to significant delays in responding to emergencies.

What are the concerns about paramedic recruitment?

There is significant concern that paramedic recruitment is far below the number required, putting lives at risk.

Home / Health / Man Dies After Delayed Ambulance, Family's Desperate Drive

Man Dies After Delayed Ambulance, Family's Desperate Drive

20 Jan

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Summary

Family drove man 56 miles after ambulance delay.
Stephen Lavelle died following a grave medical emergency.
Paramedic recruitment lags significantly behind targets.

Man Dies After Delayed Ambulance, Family's Desperate Drive

A 68-year-old man from Mayo, Stephen Lavelle, passed away after his family's urgent, 56-mile drive to Mayo University Hospital following a critical ambulance delay. Mr. Lavelle became gravely ill on Saturday, January 10, and despite multiple calls, an ambulance did not arrive. A doctor advised his family to transport him immediately.

The family's journey was fraught with distress, as Stephen's condition worsened in the car, requiring CPR. They encountered poor mobile reception and met the ambulance only three minutes from the hospital. Upon arrival, no hospital staff were waiting, and sadly, Stephen passed away the following morning.

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald brought the case to the Dail, citing it as an example of the ambulance service's "severe crisis." She highlighted that paramedic recruitment is drastically behind schedule, with fewer than a quarter of the required staff hired over the past four years.