Home : Hospitals Ireland, Accident & Emergency-FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Accident and Emergency



Q) How long will I be waiting?
A)

We operate a Triage System in the Accident and Emergency Department. Following check-in with the receptionist all patients are seen by the Triage Nurse. The role of the Triage Nurse is to assess the urgency of the patient. Patients are then divided into categories and this decides the order of priority in which a patient will be seen, ensuring that the most urgent cases will be seen first. This means that waiting time can vary throughout the day and can change from hour to hour.
 
 
Q) Where are you located?
A)

The Accident and Emergency Department entrance is located to the right of the Main Hospital Entrance
 
 
Q) Is parking available?
A) Disc/Meter parking is available on Adelaide Road

 
 
 
Q) What hours are you open?
A)

Eye: 24 Hours

ENT-HN*: 9-5 Monday - Friday

Closed on Public Holidays

* ENT-HN means Ear, Nose, Throat, Head and Neck
 
 
Q) Do I need a letter from my doctor?
A)

Yes unless an accident has occurred.
 
 
Q) How much does it cost?
A)

There is no charge for Medical Card Holders and no charge for patients referred by a G.P. In other cases, the Government levy will apply.
 
 
Q) Can I get an eye check-up?
A)

No. We only deal with accidents, emergencies and referrals from G.Ps and other Hospitals. For other eye problems you should see your G.P or optician.
 
 
Q)

How do I get an appointment to see a consultant?

A)

Visit your GP and ask him to write a REFERRAL LETTER to the Outpatient Appointments Department with all relevant information. Once this is received, an appropriate appointment will be set up.
 
 
Q)

Is there a good time to visit the A and E?

A)
No as it depends on the clinical load. From 09.00 am – 5.00pm Monday – Friday there is full medical cover within the Accident and Emergency Department. Outside of these hours an on-call emergency medical service is provided for eye patients.