Ambulance transfer not available for blind, wheelchair user in her 90s

Offaly TD Tony McCormack has called for urgent changes to ambulance transfer policies after being contacted about a case highlighting serious gaps in service for frail, elderly patients in local nursing homes.

A recent example brought to Deputy McCormack's attention involved an elderly, blind, wheelchair-user in her 90s, recovering from cancer surgery, who must return to hospital for specialist follow-up treatment. Despite her vulnerability and medical needs, her family was informed that ambulance services would not transport her from her nursing home to the hospital.

“This is completely unacceptable,” said Deputy McCormack. “We cannot abandon some of the most vulnerable people in our society to figure out complex, expensive, and often impossible transport arrangements themselves. If the HSE or National Ambulance Service is refusing such transfers, it is a direct threat to patient safety.”

Deputy Tony McCormack has written formally to the Minister for Health on the issue and submitted a Parliamentary Question demanding clarity on current policy and plans to ensure equitable, safe access to hospital care for nursing home residents.

“The State must restore this essential service,” Deputy McCormack added. “These patients deserve dignity and proper care—not bureaucratic buck-passing. I will continue to push the Minister to act without delay.”