HSE under fire for failing to arrange air transport for Cork transplant patient

A Cork woman who described the lack of support from the HSE as 'disgusting' had to rely on the generosity of strangers to make a medical appointment in Newcastle. 

Isabel Terry is a heart and double lung transplant patient and was called for a vital appointment in Newcastle to determine whether or not she is well enough to stay on the transplant list. 

However the HSE failed to arrange air ambulance transport for the Bishopstown woman who is unable to fly on a regular commercial flight  due to the amount of oxygen she has to carry with her. 

The HSE offered to cover the cost of travel under the Treatment Abroad Scheme but said it wouldn't be able to cover the cost of anything else.

Lifeline Ambulance stepped in and arranged ambulance, ferry and accomodation for the 41-year-old however an anonymous donor arranged for a private jet which took off from Cork Airport last night. 

The HSE has refused to comment on the case citing its policy that the health service doesn't comment on individual cases.

Speaking on the Neil Prendeville Show on Cork's RedFM Isabel says the HSE's response isn't good enough:

 

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