Letter sent to Minister for Health concerning changes to patient transport in Tipperary

A councillor in Tipperary has formally written to the Minister for Health regarding his concerns over changes to the patient transport initiative.

Fine Gael councillor Declan Burgess said in his letter address to Minister Carroll MacNeill TD:

"I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the recent and, regrettably removal of outpatient hospital transport services in the South Tipperary area. Over recent weeks, numerous constituents have contacted me in distress, having had their hospital appointment transports abruptly cancelled with little or no explanation. These cancellations are not only causing significant anxiety but are also compromising access to essential healthcare for many vulnerable and elderly patients.

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"In response to a query I submitted, the HSE has confirmed that changes have been made to the eligibility criteria for the Non-Emergency Patient Transport (NEPT) Service due to “financial constraints” within the hospital budget. While I understand the pressure on healthcare resources, I am extremely concerned that these adjustments have occurred without clear communication to patients or healthcare professionals and without adequate alternatives being provided. I have attached a copy of the correspondence I received from Tipperary University Hospital.

"The HSE’s revised criteria now place additional barriers on patients aged under 75 or those not undergoing specific treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation. As you are aware, rural counties like Tipperary have a disproportionately ageing population, many of whom rely on transport services to access medical appointments due to poor public transport infrastructure and limited personal mobility.

"I strongly believe this move is at odds with the HSE’s own commitments to promoting community-based care and dignified ageing. It also contradicts the spirit of Sláintecare, which aims to enhance accessibility and equity in the health service.

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"Minister, I urge you to:

• Immediately review the revised NEPT eligibility criteria in the South East region to ensure equity and fairness.
• Guarantee continuity of transport services for vulnerable outpatients who do not meet the newly applied thresholds but nonetheless face significant access challenges.
• Provide transparency regarding the decision-making process and budgetary allocations that led to these changes.

"Reliable outpatient transport is not a luxury—it is a vital necessity. The State has a duty to ensure that no citizen, particularly those who have given a lifetime of contribution to society, is left behind due to cost-cutting measures. This issue is not just about transport; it is about dignity, equity, and access to necessary medical appointments."

Cllr Burgess concluded that he "will continue to advocate on behalf of those impacted and seek your support that these essential services will be reinstated and adequately resourced without further delay."