New train service helping Tipperary patients skip waiting lists for surgery
Tipperary patients stuck on long waiting lists for healthcare treatments now have a faster ticket to treatment – on a train to Belfast.
Independent councillor John O’Heney has announced the launch of the Sightsaver Train, following on from his successful Sightsaver Bus project.
Cllr O’Heney established the Sightsaver Bus in 2023 to bring people from Tipperary to Kingsbridge Hospital in Belfast for surgery for cataracts, knee and hip replacements, and more.
Now, the local councillor has set up the Sightsaver Train for people who can’t or would prefer not to use a bus.
"Anyone that’s not able or willing to travel on the bus can avail of the train from Limerick Junction train station, or other stops around the county, particularly Thurles or Clonmel,” Cllr O’Heney explained.
Through the Cross Border Directive, people from the Republic of Ireland who are waiting on medical treatments can choose to have them elsewhere in the European Union.
Under the Directive, people will be repaid the cost of what it would have been to have surgery in an Irish public hospital, or the cost of their treatment elsewhere, whatever is less.
A number of patients from across county Tipperary have made use of the train this week, Cllr O’Heney said.
"Many people have availed of the train for ankle consultations, hip consultations and cataract treatments, so please reach out to me if you ever need any assistance in relation to healthcare treatments.
"Don’t be stuck on a waiting list, reach out to me, and you’ll get set to Belfast straight away,” the independent councillor added.
People can also travel themselves to the hospital in Belfast if they wish.
As part of the Sightsaver Bus and Train, Cllr O’Heney said that he will organise people’s travel arrangements, their stays in a four star hotel, with a discounted rate, and organise transfers to and from the hotel to the hospital.
The Sightsaver Bus has been running since 2023, and has made a number of trips to Belfast in that time.
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