Online clinical assessment

Ask about an A&E referral

For a non-immediate concern that may need hospital assessment, speak to a doctor by video. If the doctor considers an Emergency Department referral clinically appropriate, they may provide a referral letter.

Request an assessment

Free to requestSee the fee before paying

🇮🇪 Only doctors appropriately registered to treat patients in Ireland will see your request.

What best describes the concern?*

🤕Injury or painPossible fracture, worsening pain or reduced movement 🤒Acute illnessSudden or worsening illness needing assessment 🧠Mental healthUrgent concern without immediate danger 📋Something elseAnother concern that may need hospital care

Describe the concern

Symptoms, severity and when they started*

Any serious symptoms right now?*

Chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, heavy bleeding, stroke signs, loss of consciousness or immediate risk of harm need emergency care now.

Preferred hospital, if any

Usual GP / practice

Relevant conditions, medicines and allergies*

First name

Last name

Age

Phone

A referral letter is not guaranteed and must never delay emergency care.

Assessment firstThe doctor decides the safest care route
No guaranteed referralA letter is issued only when clinically appropriate
No priority promiseThe ED triages every patient by clinical need

What is an A&E referral letter?

In Ireland, patients can attend an Emergency Department by walking in, by ambulance, or with a referral letter from a GP. A referral letter gives the hospital relevant clinical information and the reason the doctor recommends ED assessment. It does not book an appointment, guarantee admission, bypass triage or make a patient get seen ahead of someone who is more seriously ill.

On arrival, an ED triage nurse prioritises patients by how urgent their condition is and how busy the department is. Bring the referral letter, a list of medicines and allergies, and your GP’s details if possible.

Which service should you use?

Emergency Department / 112 or 999

Life may be at risk
Severe breathing difficulty, stroke signs, heavy bleeding or serious injury
Rapid deterioration, collapse or severe confusion

Other care may be more suitable

GP or GP out-of-hours for urgent but non-life-threatening illness
Injury unit for eligible non-life-threatening injuries
Pharmacist for suitable minor conditions and medicine advice

What, how and why

What the doctor assesses

Your symptoms, severity, timing, medical history, medicines, allergies and what can safely be observed by video. A physical examination or tests may still be necessary.

How a referral is made

If the doctor decides ED assessment is appropriate, the letter can summarise the concern and relevant clinical information for you to present or for transmission through an available secure route. The receiving hospital controls its own processes.

Why a letter may help

It can communicate the referring clinician’s findings and reason for referral. HSE advice says to bring a GP referral letter when one has been provided, but the letter does not change clinical triage.

Current public-hospital charge

Citizens Information currently states that attending an ED without a GP referral carries a €100 charge, with listed exemptions, and that there is no ED charge when referred by a GP. The exemption is specifically for a GP referral: check that the clinician is acting as a GP and that the hospital will recognise the letter. Charges can change. Never delay emergency care to obtain a letter or avoid a fee.

Official Irish sources

Need a non-emergency assessment?

Share the facts a doctor needs to decide the safest next step.

Start my request