New pilot project to transfer renal dialysis patients to & from LUH

A new pilot project has been launched to transport renal dialysis patients to and from Letterkenny University Hospital.
Taxi drivers in Letterkenny will be taking part in the project in conjunction with the HSE and Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland which will involve the use of hybrid and electric cars to transfer the patients to appointments.
It is estimated that €60,000 a year in fuel costs could be saved if taxis used to transfer renal dialysis patients to and from Letterkenny University Hospital are hybrid or electric.
Sean Murphy, General Manager Letterkenny University Hospital says: “The Renal Dialysis Transport service is a critical element of the renal service at the hospital and transfers patients from all over the county to the hospital for their dialysis.
He says he is delighted to have the support of all of the partners involved which will make this transport service much more environmentally friendly.
Participating taxi drivers in Letterkenny have been recording their fuel consumption, fuel costs and mileage throughout December and January and will then be compared to the findings of this trial.