The Ministry of Health wishes to clarify the procedures governing the handover of patients transported by the National Ambulance Service to hospital Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments, following a social media post currently in circulation.
This procedure is not new. Upon arrival at a hospital, patients are received by hospital staff, who assume responsibility for their continued care. Ambulance units are released once patients have been transferred from ambulance trolleys to an appropriate space
within the A&E department. Ambulances are not required to remain on-site until patients are admitted to a ward.
This process supports the continued availability of ambulance units to respond to emergencies across the country, while ensuring that patients are safely handed over to hospital teams.
The Ministry of Health remains committed to strengthening healthcare delivery and ensuring that the needs of the population are met through continued collaboration between the National Ambulance Service and hospitals.