HSE spent €4m on Cork taxis in two years to transport files and patients

The HSE has spent more than €4m on taxis and minibuses to get patients or their files to and from Cork hospitals over the last two years.

The health executive said it spent a total of €42.4m nationally on patient taxis and minibuses last year, representing an increase of €4.5m on the amount spent in 2023 for the same services.

Of the €42m spend, approximately €2.3m was spent across five hospitals in Cork, including Cork University Hospital (CUH), Mercy University Hospital (MUH), South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital (SIVUH), Mallow General Hospital and Bantry General Hospital.

The figures were revealed in response to a parliamentary question from Sinn Féin Cork East TD Pat Buckley.

A spokesperson for the HSE’s South West branch told  The Echo that the use of patient taxis and minibuses represents a “more cost-effective solution” when compared to investing in a fleet of HSE-owned vehicles.

“It is important to point out that any HSE vehicles in the HSE South West region are prioritised for frontline, emergency work,” the spokesperson said.

“Using taxis means that a much more effective service is provided for patients or clients who are not acutely ill, but require transportation.

“Taxi services are also used for the transport of renal dialysis patients and, at times, for the transfer of patient charts/files between hospitals.

“Using taxis for patient transport remains a more cost-effective solution compared to the cost involved in investing in a fleet of HSE-owned vehicles, which would involve significant additional costs, including the provision of 24/7 staffing, maintenance, fuel, insurance and tax,” they added.

“The use of taxis also allows the HSE flexibility in the face of variable demand.

“HSE South West is looking carefully at all expenditure, to ensure that we secure best value for the taxpayer’s money.

“In addition, on an ongoing basis, we are working to provide more services at home or closer to home for patients, which, as well as improving access, will also reduce the need for transportation.” 

Mr Buckley said that “not a week goes by that we hear another story about how money is being wasted”.

“It is completely unacceptable that HSE spending on taxis continues to spiral upwards,” said Mr Buckley.

“It is staggering that €42.4m was spent on taxis in 2024.

“The HSE is funnelling public money into short-term, high-cost arrangements that deliver poor value for taxpayers.

“The government claim that money is no issue, but they have failed to look into where money is wasted in the health service. Spending millions of euros on taxis is just one example of this, and it is time for them to take action,” he added.

“I do understand that in some circumstances, where a person has no available family members to take them between healthcare facilities, taxis may be necessary. However, taxis are being used too often to transport documents.” Mr Buckley additionally said that the HSE should employ people to directly carry out this work, "rather than relying on taxis".

“There is no question that money would be saved if the HSE switched to an in-house service with dedicated drivers," said Mr Buckley.

Of the €2.383m spent in Cork last year, €1.8m was spent at CUH; €165,464 was spent at MUH; €80,655 was spent at SIVUH; €212,469 was spent at Mallow General Hospital, and €127,956 was spent at Bantry General Hospital.

This represents a slight increase on the HSE’s spend for the same services in Cork throughout 2023, which saw €1.9m spent at CUH; €142,414 spent at MUH; €72,472 spent at SIVUH; €152,688 spent at Mallow General Hospital; and €120,189 spent at Bantry General Hospital.