"Speaking to The Echo, Stephen McMahon, co-founder of the Irish Patients Association (IPA), said that, while steps are being taken to improve patient flow through emergency departments (EDs), this revelation regarding turnaround times is yet another example of deteriorating conditions. Mr McMahon added that the increase in emergency ambulance turnaround times nationally signals a further exposure to risk for patients in the community. Mr McMahon stated that the latest figures mean the National Ambulance Service (NAS) would have to more than double its fleet in the SSWHG to meet the 30-minute turnaround target. “We appreciate the great work that our emergency responders do and those who work in overcrowded EDs - this deterioration is not their fault,” he added."