Jersey's health spending on Southampton taxis surges by 75%

The amount of money spent on taxis for Jersey patients visiting Southampton hospital and the surrounding area has risen by 75% in two years.

In 2023, £140,594 was spent on taxi provision, which surged to £246,542 in 2025.

Islanders can request a taxi if it is "not possible or practical" to use public transport, or if there is a "medical reason" to do so.

The Health department has been asked for comment.

The government's patient travel policy states that travel from a port to a UK hospital should be on services contracted by Health and Care Jersey.

Were that was not possible, "patients should use public transport and pay for this themselves" and have the costs reimbursed by the Travel Office.

It also said that where there was a "medical reason", or it was not "possible or practical" to use other means, "the Travel Office could consider and, if necessary, pre-book a taxi or hire car as appropriate".

In a Freedom Of Information (FOI) request , Health & Care Jersey published the amount of money spent on taxis over the last three years.

It showed that spending has risen by just over 75% since 2023:

Health and Care Jersey said the figures cover travel in areas around Southampton and "cannot be considered representative of expenditure on taxis for patients attending Southampton hospital alone".

It comes as patient travel costs are being reviewed, after being described as "very generous" by a Health Board leader.

Following that intervention, Health Minister Tom Binet said he would consider whether "UK travel should continue to be paid for all patients in all circumstances".

He said: "The health budget is under growing pressure...[and] it is essential that all our resources are used in the most effective way".

"Officers are actively working to ensure that the costs we currently pay...represent value for money".

The health department has been approached for further comment.

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