Health trusts in Northern Ireland have spent more than £40m on taxis for patients since 2019, with almost £7m being spent on taxis instead of ambulances. The high cost is due to a reduction in the ambulance service’s volunteer driver programme, as many drivers have been unable to participate since the pandemic. Questions have been raised as to whether non-profit organisations could be used for cheaper journeys.
The Department of Health stated that it had a duty to transport eligible patients, such as those needing transportation home after surgery. A spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) stated that taxis were sent for non-emergency situations, ensuring patients received timely, reliable, and safe transportation.
Community transport organisations provide transportation for elderly and disabled passengers in rural parts of Northern Ireland, but this is not funded by the health budget. A community transport partnership currently receives £2.3m annually to deliver a dial-a-lift service, making about 200,000 journeys every year, including those for healthcare appointments.
A group of taxi drivers believes it is important to get patients to their appointments quickly and efficiently. However, a charity representing community transport providers has questioned why so much public money is being spent on taxis. The Community Transport Association (CTA) in Northern Ireland believes community solutions would be more cost-effective than paying for taxis.
One such community transport user is Patricia Davis, who relies on the service to attend her hospital appointments. She believes the £40m expenditure on taxis is surprising, as she has never been offered payment for taxi transportation.
Each health trust has its own policies on eligibility for the Healthcare Travel Cost Scheme. Eligibility criteria may include receipt of certain benefits or referral for specialist care by a healthcare professional. The Licensed Taxi Operators Association stated its members completed 6,000 to 8,000 journeys every week for healthcare appointments. A spokesperson for the Association considers the taxi expenditure good value when aiming to meet the significant demand for transportation in non-emergency situations, especially during financially turbulent times
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