I thank the Minister of State for taking this matter, which relates to the ongoing and serious difficulties people are encountering when trying to make contact with the patient transport service for the south east, which is based in Wexford. This is a service which, as the Minister of State will know, is a vital lifeline for patients and families across community health organisation, CHO, 5, including those in counties Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford and Wexford and in my constituency of South Tipperary. In recent months, my office and members of the public have encountered the same persistent problem, namely repeated phone calls going unanswered, emails not being acknowledged and a general lack of responsiveness when patients are trying to arrange or confirm essential transport. This is not an isolated complaint; it is now a consistent and widespread issue. People who are ill, elderly or vulnerable should not have to spend days trying to get through on the phone or wait endlessly for an email reply just to confirm transport to a hospital appointment. The patient transport service plays a crucial role in ensuring that patients, particularly those who require dialysis, oncology or other regular treatments, can attend their appointments safely and on time. It also provides reassurance to families who depend on that reliability. The reality at present is one of frustration, stress and uncertainty. In some cases, patients have had to rely on neighbours or voluntary groups at short notice because they simply could not make contact with the service. I am sure the Minister of State will agree that this is not acceptable. What people want is very simple: a phone line that is staffed and answered during core hours; a clear system for call backs and responses; and a sense that their needs are being treated with respect and urgency. Will the Minister of State to confirm that the Department and the HSE are aware of the communication difficulties affecting the patient transport service for CHO 5? Will she outline the measures being taken to improve accessibility and responsiveness? Will she ensure that a clear monitored system is put in place in order that these complaints do not reoccur? Patients across the south east, including those in my constituency of South Tipperary, deserve a transport service that they can rely on and trust.

Sentiment score: 0.13

I thank the Minister of State for the response, but I emphasise again that this issue is not theoretical. It is happening daily. When people are sick, anxious or dependent on transport to receive treatment, the ability to get through on the phone is not a luxury; it is a necessity. This service must be accessible, responsive and properly resourced. I urge that the HSE be directed to carry out an immediate service review focusing specifically on communication systems, staffing levels, call-handling capacity and response protocols. I also believe that there should be a dedicated contact point within the south-east community healthcare area for public representatives to escalate urgent cases where patients are being left stranded. This is a straightforward fix if there is leadership and oversight. The people of the south east deserve better. My own constituents in south Tipperary deserve better. I am asking that the HSE ensures that this issue is resolved once and for all.

Sentiment score: 0.17