HSE needs to answer questions on cancelled transportation for people with disabilities – Bradley

The HSE decision to cancel transportation for people with disabilities to disability day service units is leaving families in distress, a Fine Gael Senator has said.

Senator Nikki Bradley, said that the HSE needs to provide alternative transport arrangements when last minute cancellations occur.

“It has been confirmed that almost 40 people with disabilities in Sligo and Donegal have been impacted by the failure of the HSE to provide transportation to day care services.

“Families have to go through a long application process to organise transport, and even with all these steps they still may not get help.

“I’ve heard countless stories of people who have had their transportation cancelled last minute with no alternative options put forward by the HSE.

“One constituent told me their son isn’t able to attend college for the first time because their transport was cancelled last minute. This should have been his first big steps to independence, now his routine has been completely disrupted and his family have no idea when this situation will be addressed.

“A student missing out on their education because of the lack of transport highlights just how serious the situation is.

“The lack of support and communication is unacceptable and leaves families feeling abandoned and helpless.

“For many people who have a family member with a severe disability, not having regular HSE organised transportation can really impact their daily lives.

“Not every day centre has the ability to take over the transportation of service users themselves and the cost of paying for a wheelchair taxi on a weekly basis can be extortionate.

“We need the HSE to implement a new action plan so that people with disabilities are guaranteed transport to day care facilities.

“It is absolutely devastating to see the impact this is having on families. The HSE needs to provide clear guidance and support for those looking for alternative forms of transportation”, concluded Senator Bradley.