The Health Service has problems. I know it; you know it. I’ve written about it alot. Let’s just leave it there for the moment because I’d like to highlight some services that DO work — that my real life patients regularly have never heard of! So, just in case any of this helps even one more person….
1. Irish Skin Foundation Ask a Nurse service for expert advice on acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, hidradenitis…
2. HSE Minor Injury Units have been around for over 10 years, yet patients are constantly surprised when I tell them they didn’t need to spend all night in an ED to get an ankle x-rayed. Free with medical card or GP referral. Only €75 without. Average time in-and-out is under 2 hours. Check HSE website for locations, hours, and ages (vary by location) as well as what types of injuries they treat.
3. CHI Connolly (if relevant to your location) same-day appointment service for minor illness and injury for children. Same as minor injury units: free with medical card or GP referral or €75. Check out website for hours, what they treat. (I’ve been there with my own children and care is fantastic.)
4. Pathfinder a collaboration between many major hospitals and the National Ambulance Service for older persons in response to 999/112 calls. Pathfinder treats up to 2/3 of the patients in their home without a trip to the emergency room. (Hours and availability vary by location but more locations have been added since first programme rollout in 2021) Not something you’d plan on using, but might reassure an older person who is hesistant to ring for much-needed help this winter during the inevitable annual trolley crisis. Read More
5. Low Cost or Free Counselling for ages 18+: Turn2Me.ie and MyMind.org. Check website for eligibility and services.
6. Free STI testing at home or in clinic. Check out sexualwellbeing.ie or SH24.ie websites for locations of clinics or how to order free at-home testing
7. Free Contraception ages 17-30. No medical card needed. Includes the GP visit(s) needed and approved prescriptions (yes, implants/coils/IUDs and morning-after may be covered)
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