For serious accidents and emergencies it is usually best to contact the emergency ambulance service by dialing 999 (or 112)
Advice on managing many minor conditions is available from the HSE sponsored website undertheweather.ie
For illnesses or conditions that need medical attention from a GP outside our routine hours, you can contact KDOC (the GP Out-of-hours Cooperative for Kildare) on 045 848701 or 1890 599 362. It operates from 6pm through to 8am the next morning from Monday to Thursday, and from 6PM Friday through to 8AM on the next working day (typically Monday unless a Bank Holiday) They will arrange an appointment for a doctor to see you, or you can request advice from a Nurse or doctor. The service is based in Naas and it also operates a clinic in Celbridge on Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays. If in doubt, call and a nurse can advise you. This service is free to those with a medical card or Doctor Visit card. A report on your care in KDOC will routinely be sent to us.
Minor Injury units are available for problems such as minor fractures, scalds and cuts requiring suturing. They do not have inpatients and are organized to deal with these problems efficiently. The only public one in our region is the Mater Rapid Injury Clinic in Smithfield which is free of charge with a GP referral or full Medical Card (not a GP Visit card though) otherwise a euro100 fee applies. They do not see children under 16.
Emergency Departments are available for people who have urgent medical problems because of accidents or illnesses. It is not suitable for non-urgent problems including coughs, sore throats, flu symptoms, diarrhea, vomiting and earaches.You will be charged euro100 for attending an ED unless you are referred by your GP, have a full medial card, or are admitted to hospital.
Links to some Emergency Departments on Google Maps
Connolly Hospital (Blanchardstown)
Tallaght Hospital (also sees children)
Children's Emergencies should go to Our Lady's Hospital (Crumlin) or Tallaght Hospital (also sees children)
Private emergency departments with limited hours are available in hospitals such as
- Hermitage Medical Clinic
- Beacon Hospital
- Blackrock Clinic
- Mater Private Hospital
Beware that charges for private emergency departments and minor injury units can be substantial and may not be covered on health insurance plans.