HSE mobile X-ray service delivers more than 16,000 scans directly to patients in 2025

Over 16,000 X-rays were delivered to people directly where they live, according to a new report by the HSE.

The HSE Community Mobile X-ray Service Impact Report highlights the importance of preventing more than 25,000 ambulance journeys and helping 12,500 people avoid hospital transfer.

Patients can access the service at their place of residence; this can include community hospitals, nursing homes, hospices, mental health settings, disability residences and private residences.

Delivered in partnership with Mobile Medical Diagnostics, the service is designed to support people who may find hospital attendance challenging.

In 2025, the service saw its highest activity to date, preventing over 25 thousand ambulance journeys, reducing pressure on hospitals and emergency transport.

Pat Healy, National Director, National Services and Schemes at the HSE, said: “The Community Mobile X‑ray Service is a key enabler of the Enhanced Community Care (ECC) programme and aligns with Sláintecare’s “home first” approach, supporting safer, more timely clinical decisions while reducing unnecessary hospital attendances. The community mobile x-ray service is designed and delivered in the most patient‑centred way possible; the service continues to strengthen integration across primary care, community services, residential care providers and acute hospitals. I want to acknowledge our project partners Mobile Medical Diagnostics and community stakeholders for their sustained collaboration and commitment since 2023, which has been central to the successful delivery and expansion of this important service”.

Minister for Older People, Kieran O’Donnell added: “This Impact Report clearly demonstrates that the national roll-out of the HSE funded Community Mobile X‑Ray Service is making a real and measurable difference for people living in nursing homes, community hospitals, hospices, disability and intellectual disability residences, community mental health services and to individuals living at home who may find attendance at an acute hospital challenging.

“By bringing timely diagnostics directly to people where they live, irrespective of where that might be, we are improving the overall care experience for individuals as well as reducing avoidable emergency department admissions and ambulance journeys.

“That matters - because it prevents patients from having to make an unnecessary visit to the ED.

“It is a clear priority for this Government to ensure that more care is delivered closer to home, in a way that supports dignity and independence, and enables people to live in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. This Community Mobile X‑Ray Service aligns closely with the ambitions of Sláintecare by ensuring that patients can access the right care, in the right place and at the right time.”