Tipperary TD Mattie McGrath raised the issue of cuts to non-emergency patient transport for patients attending Tipperary University Hospital Clonmel in the Dáil last night. The Dáil heard that the service cost €88,000 in 2019 but these costs increased to €127,000 in 2024 prompting the need to impose stricter criteria.
Deputy McGrath lambasted the HSE for making a cut in services to people who are ill and possibly elderly and isolated as he called on the Minister for Health to intervene. He praised the voluntary organisations such as the Red Cross, the Order of Malta and the Civil Defence Teams who may now be called upon to provide transport in cases where the HSE staff in Clonmel hospital refuse to authorise transport.
The matter is to be referred to the Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill for consideration and until a change in procedures only patients that meet the new criteria will be provided with transport. The cuts in services do not apply to patients attending appointments for Chemotherapy or Radiation treatment. The new criteria relate to the patient’s exceptional medical need, the patient must be over 75, have mobility issues and the nature of their appointment will also be a factor in whether or not they are approved for transport free of charge.
