Emergency Department: Important patient information

29th October 2026

Emergency Department experiencing significant pressure

St. Vincent’s University Hospital is currently experiencing exceptionally high demand for emergency care.

Our staff are working across the hospital to care for patients safely, with those who are most seriously ill or injured receiving priority. As a result, patients who are presenting at our ED with non-urgent conditions are unfortunately experiencing lengthy waiting times to be seen.

For anyone who needs emergency care, our Emergency Department remains open.

Where to seek medical care

Depending on your symptoms and the care you require, there are other healthcare options available locally.

Your GP

If you are unwell but do not require emergency care, your GP is often the best place to start. They can assess your symptoms, provide treatment and refer you for further care if needed.

GP out-of-hours service – E Doc

E Doc provides urgent GP care outside normal surgery hours for patients of participating GP practices.

• Telephone: 01 223 4500
• Monday to Friday: 6pm–8am
• Weekends and bank holidays: 24 hours

Please telephone before attending.

Visit E Doc for further information

St. Columcille’s Injury Unit, Loughlinstown

The Injury Unit provides assessment and treatment for a range of recent minor injuries, including certain sprains, fractures, cuts and burns.

• Location: St Columcille’s Hospital, Loughlinstown
• Opening hours: 8am–7pm, seven days a week
• Telephone: 01 211 5048
• Age: Patients aged 14 years and over
• Appointments: No appointment required

Injury Units do not treat medical illnesses or all types of injuries. Please check that your injury is suitable before attending.

Patients with health insurance may also wish to check whether their insurer provides access to a minor injury clinic.

St. Michael’s Hospital Emergency Department, Dún Laoghaire

St Michael’s Hospital provides emergency care for patients aged 16 and over. Patients can attend directly or be referred by their GP.

• Location: Lower George’s Street, Dún Laoghaire
• Opening hours: 8am–8pm, seven days a week

The most appropriate Emergency Department will depend on your condition and the care you need.

Find out more about St Michael’s Emergency Department

St. Vincent’s Private Hospital – GP Referral Emergency Department

St. Vincent’s Private Hospital offers a GP referral service for suitable urgent medical conditions that are not life-threatening.

This is not a walk-in service. Patients must be referred by their GP and accepted for an appointment.

• Monday to Friday: From 8am, last appointment 4.45pm
• Saturday: From 8am, last appointment 2.30pm
• Sunday and bank holidays: Closed
• Age: Patients over 16
• Charges: This is a private service and charges apply. Please check fees and any insurance cover with St Vincent’s Private Hospital before attending.

Please speak to your GP about whether this service is suitable for you.

Find out more about the GP Referral Emergency Department

Emergency Department in the Home (EDITH)

Our EDITH service brings urgent medical assessment and treatment to eligible older patients in their own homes or care settings. With an expanded team and a second EDITH vehicle, the service helps more patients receive appropriate care without needing to travel to hospital.

EDITH is a referral-based service and cannot be accessed directly by patients or families. Referrals may be made by GPs, nursing homes, community healthcare professionals, the National Ambulance Service and hospital teams, depending on patient eligibility and referral arrangements.

Find out more about EDITH

If you need emergency care

Our Emergency Department remains open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for patients aged 16 and over.

Please do not delay seeking emergency medical care if you need it.

If someone is seriously ill or injured and needs immediate assistance, call 112 or 999.

We recognise the pressures this exceptionally busy period places on patients, families and staff. We thank our patients and families for their understanding and our colleagues across the hospital for the care and commitment they continue to show every day.