A private Accident and Emergency department has opened today at the Beacon Hospital in Sandyford in Dublin.
The hospital is charging €120 for a consultation and promises that all patients will be examined by an emergency medical consultant without delay.
Charges for routine tests and high-tech scans range from €30 to €450, with some of the costs recoverable under private health insurance.
The Beacon Hospital says its new private emergency department is the first in the eastern region and will give patients access to all of the major specialties at the hospital.
It will accept 'walk-in' patients and those referred by their GP.
Patients can be referred for general surgery, cardiology, orthopaedic and other procedures, with immediate access to a hospital bed if required.
Inpatient cover will depend on a patient's health insurance plan.
The emergency department will open from 8am to 6pm, from Monday to Saturday, excluding public holidays.
