Paramedics in Ennis have refused to drive an ambulance because of a recurring fungus infestation.
Paramedics in Ennis have refused to drive an ambulance because of a recurring fungus infestation.
The 6-year-old Ford ambulance is currently undergoing a ‘deep clean’ with a private company, for the third time.
The ambulance in question was originally assigned to another station before being transferred to the National Ambulance Service base in Ennis.
Soon after, crews began to notice a large growth of fungus in one corner of the vehicle and it was sent for a "deep clean".
Paramedics say this latest incident is the third time it's happened.
As a result, they've refused to drive the ambulance and say they won’t do so, until the fungus has been identified and shown not to be harmful to patients or staff.
In a statement, the National Ambulance Service says "All NAS vehicles are maintained to the highest standards" and "this includes hygiene and infection control".
The NAS says that following a recent deep clean of this vehicle and during the course of a pre-shift inspection, a fungus like substance WAS noted in a press within the vehicle and immediate and appropriate corrective action was taken.
The NAS has confirmed that "this is ongoing and the vehicle will not be released back into service" until it's "satisfied that the situation has been rectified".
