The Medical Association (MAM) said today that its council will meet on Monday to discuss 'further action' over an agreement between the government and the nurses' union which will allow nurses to administer medicines in emergency situations in ambulances.

The MAM insisted yesterday that medicines should only be administered following advice by a doctor, and nurses could consult the Emergency Department doctors using phone or radio.

That position was later criticised by the MUMN president, particularly on the basis that diagnosis could not be made over the radio. He also made comments about the MAM president.

The Medical Association said it was disappointment at the way how MUMN president Paul Pace "expresses himself by levelling personal attacks, rather than putting forward his views in a reasoned and respectful manner".

The association said it could not support any sort of underhand agreement
where it was excluded and not even consulted.

It insisted that the agreement "is illegal and compromises patient safety" and said it would consider action over this "very serious dispute".

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