Councillor urges patients not to 'suffer in silence' as orthopaedic bus leaves for Belfast

Councillor John O’Heney has highlighted the latest in a series of cross-border medical transport services departing from south Tipperary, with an orthopaedic bus leaving Cashel early this morning for Belfast.

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In a post shared on Facebook, the Cahir and Cashel-based councillor said the service began with an early start, describing the trip as a same-day service for patients attending consultations. The bus is scheduled to return to Tipperary later in the evening.

“An early start with an Orthopedic Bus leaving Cashel this morning headed for Belfast,” he wrote. “Today is a Day Trip service with people going up for Consultations and it will return to Tipperary later this evening.”

Councillor O’Heney said further options would be available in the coming weeks, including opportunities for patients to make their own travel arrangements.

He added that another cataract bus is expected to run in a couple of weeks in response to the demand.

The councillor also shared a video message outlining the purpose of the trip. In it, he said the service was aimed at people seeking consultations for a range of orthopaedic issues.

“People looking for consultations for hips and knees and other procedures,” he said. “This is just a day trip so the bus will be going up and down on the same day and they’ll be back again in Tipperary.”

Looking ahead, Councillor O’Heney said additional services are planned over the coming weeks. “Over the next couple of weeks there will be self service trips up to Belfast where you can travel on your own or there will be a Cataract bus in the next couple of weeks as well due to demand.”

He also encouraged those in need of treatment to come forward. “Do not suffer in silence. Please contact me and I will help you,” he said.

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