The HSE in the North East spent more than €1 million on taxis in just six months, according to new figures revealed at last week’s Regional Health Forum.
From November 2014 to April 2015, a total of €1,018,532 was spent by the HSE on taxis across Louth, Meath, Cavan and Monaghan.
Around €994,000 of this was spent bringing patients from one hospital to another, while a further €23,700 was spent on taxis bringing specimens to laboratories.
Cllr Tomás Sharkey described the figures as “shocking” to LMFM but the HSE defended the costs saying that their vehicles were prioritised for emergency work and the use of taxis was still more cost effective than investing in further HSE vehicles which would require 24/7 staffing, maintenance, fuel, insurance and tax.
