Emergency Departments (A&E) in Ireland
Emergency Departments (EDs) — still commonly called Accident & Emergency (A&E) — provide care for serious injuries and life-threatening conditions. Updated for 2026 HSE.
When to Go to the Emergency Department
You should go to an ED if you have a serious or life-threatening condition, such as:
- Chest pain or difficulty breathing.
- Severe bleeding that won't stop.
- Head injury with loss of consciousness.
- Sudden severe pain (abdominal, head, etc.).
- Suspected stroke (FAST — Face, Arms, Speech, Time).
- Major burns or fractures.
- Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).
In an emergency, call 112 or 999 for an ambulance.
Alternatives to the ED
For non-life-threatening issues, consider these alternatives to reduce waiting times:
- GP Out-of-Hours Services: Most areas have GP co-ops (e.g., Caredoc, Dubdoc) that handle urgent but non-emergency cases.
- Injury Units: Treat minor injuries like cuts, sprains, and simple fractures. No appointment needed.
- Vhi SwiftCare / Laya Urgent Care: Private minor injury clinics for policyholders.
- Your own GP: Many GPs keep same-day slots for urgent issues.
- Pharmacist: For minor ailments — pharmacists can now prescribe certain treatments.
The Triage System
When you arrive at an ED, you will be seen by a triage nurse who assesses how urgent your condition is. The categories are:
- Resuscitation (Immediate): Life-threatening — seen immediately.
- Emergency (Very Urgent): Potentially life-threatening — seen within minutes.
- Urgent: Needs treatment soon — seen within an hour.
- Semi-Urgent: Less urgent — may wait 1–2 hours.
- Non-Urgent: Minor issues — may wait several hours.
Be prepared for long waiting times, especially in busy EDs. Bring a phone charger, snacks, and essential medications.
Emergency Department Charges (2026)
- ED charge with GP referral letter: €0 (free if referred by a GP).
- ED charge without GP referral: €100.
- ED charge if admitted to hospital: The €100 charge is waived, but the inpatient charge of €80 per day (max €800/year) applies.
- Medical Card holders: Free ED visits.
The ED charge only applies once per visit to the same hospital — you will not be charged multiple times if you are referred between departments.
What to Bring
- Photo ID (passport, driving licence).
- PPS number (if available).
- Medical Card or health insurance details.
- List of current medications and allergies.
- GP referral letter (if you have one).