Referrals | Hospitals and Specialists

What is a specialist consultant

A specialist is a hospital-based doctor who offers specialised assessment and treatment for more complex types of medical problems. They are also referred to as Hospital Consultants. 

As GPs we provide an initial medical assessment and if necessary, refer patients to the hospital services for further assessment, investigation, and management.

Patients need a letter of referral  from a general  practitioner or another specialist  to see a hospital consultant as direct access is not available in Ireland.

What is the difference between a Public and a Private hospital in Ireland?

A public hospital is run by Health Service Executive (HSE) for the government. Everyone is entitled to go to a public hospital. There may be some charges depending on your circumstances e.g. your immigration permission/visa stamp or when attending the emergency department without seeing a GP first. Patients are seen as in-patients or outpatients. The services are overseen by a consultant and patients may see the consultant or a member of their team when attending the hospital.

There can often be long waiting lists for assessment and treatment in the public hospitals

A private hospital is fee-based and we would recommend that you check your insurance to check that you are insured for charges before attending. The medical staff are consultants only and any assessments or treatments will be carried out by the consultant themselves. Waiting times to be seen are generally shorter in private hospitals.