Children’s ambulance overwhelmed

BUMBLEance, Ireland’s only dedicated children’s ambulance service, is currently turning away up to 10 trips per week in Cork due to rising demand for its limited services, the Cork Independent has learned.

Cork is now the second busiest county for BUMBLEance. In 2024 alone, the service completed 248 healthcare journeys for Cork children — almost double the number made in 2023.

Unlike Dublin, Cork has no major children’s hospital. Many families face journeys of three hours or more, often needing several forms of public transport to reach essential care.

“We simply cannot keep up with the growing need,” said Shane Brannigan, Communications & Partnerships Manager with BUMBLEance.

“We rely entirely on the support of the community to grow. Any support given helps ensure that more and more children are able to access their healthcare, stress-free and free of charge.”

BUMBLEance is a national ambulance service for children with serious and life-limiting conditions. It does not receive government funding and is fully dependent on donations. The cost of running the service is high, with fuel, vehicle servicing, and maintenance being the main expenses. Each vehicle covers long distances daily.

Over the next year, BUMBLEance is focusing on expanding its presence in Cork and the south-east. A second Cork-based driver has joined the team to improve local coverage, but the gap remains wide. More support is needed to ensure Cork families get the personalised care they deserve.

To raise awareness and build support, BUMBLEance will be at this weekend’s Family Fun Day at Cork Pride.

In the past ten years, BUMBLEance has grown from a one-vehicle service to a fleet of 16 ambulances operating across the island. A newly redesigned vehicle was unveiled recently as part of a fleet refresh. The updated design puts a focus on child-friendliness, comfort, and accessibility. The first of these updated vehicles is now in use for lab transport at Connolly Hospital in Dublin.

The redesign was made possible by the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal in partnership with Community Foundation Ireland.

“One night of television magic and the huge generosity of viewers transforms the lives of children every day,” said Denise Charlton, Chief Executive of Community Foundation Ireland.

With more than 8,000 families in Ireland living with a child who has a life-limiting condition, BUMBLEance plays a vital role in making sure no child is left behind. Its mission is to lighten the load and turn difficult miles into smiles.

To support their work or learn more, visit bumbleance.com.