Cost-cutting and controversy during Morton’s reign

RobeRt Morton’s time as ambulance chief in Ireland from 2011 to 2013 was plagued with controversy.

teenager Meadhbh McGivern missed out on a liver transplant when vital air transport could not be arranged to take her to england in 2011. A scathing report by health watchdog Hiqa resulted in major changes to the air ambulance system.

Mr Morton said at the time: ‘We will work to ensure that the whole patient transfer system learns from this incident.’

Cost-cutting measures introduced on his watch were contested by local groups around the country, and slow response times heavily criticised.

In May 2013, two-year-old Vakaris Martinaitis died at Cork University Hospital after a witness drove him there having been told no ambulances were available. the HSe said at the time an ambulance was in fact available and launched a review of the 999 system. In June that year, three-weekold Morfeusz Chlamtacz died of suspected cot death in Co. Kerry. the ambulance had been sent to a similarly named town in Co. Cork. the following month Mr Morton announced he was to leave for Australia.