Former Essendon AFL coach James Hird has reportedly been taken to hospital after suffering a “major” health scare.

The Herald Sun reported Hird was taken by ambulance to Cabrini Hospital in Malvern, south of Melbourne, but left the hospital on Thursday and continued to receive care elsewhere.

A spokeswoman for Cabrini Hospital said she was unable to confirm the report or provide any further comment due to patient confidentiality issues.