FAQs

At Beacon Hospital, we believe in giving our patients all the information they need to feel comfortable and confident about their visit. If you have a question that is not covered below, please contact us.

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We know that coming into hospital may be a daunting experience for some. Beacon Hospital believes that giving patients all the necessary information ahead of their appointments can help to reduce any pre-appointment nerves.

Below is a list of some of the questions we are often asked by our patients. If you have a question that is not covered below, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to help.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • Should I arrive early for my appointment?

    Patients should arrive about 15 minutes ahead of their scheduled appointment but no earlier.

    Due to current guidelines regarding social distancing and a limited number of persons allowed in a waiting room at any one time, if you arrive excessively early, you may be asked to wait in your car until closer to your appointment time.

  • I am coming for a procedure; how will my family member / friend know when to collect me?

    If you are coming for a day procedure and are being collected by a nominated person, your nurse will phone them to inform them of when to collect you.

    Upon your admission, you will be asked to give a name and phone number of this family member or friend. When you are in recovery, your nurse will phone them to give them a time when you will be ready to leave.

  • What do I need to bring to hospital?

    Bring your clothing, a pair of flat closed heel shoes (preferably not laced), reading glasses & toiletries.

    We advise that you avoid bringing valuables into the hospital with you. Any items brought are at your own risk. You will have to remove all jewelry before going into your surgery.

    Unless you have been told otherwise, please bring any medication that you take regularly other than your painkillers.

  • What are the current Covid-19 measures?

    COVID-19 is still present in the community and in hospitals. While some infection prevention control measures in Beacon Hospital have de-escalated in-line with National Guidelines, Beacon Hospital continue to ask patients and visitors who are attending to follow these measures:

    • ​​Isolate if you are symptomatic with new respiratory symptoms or if you are diagnosed with COVID-19.
    • Complete your vaccination programme.
    • Continue to adhere to measures in Beacon Hospital to protect yourself, patients and staff.
    • Perform hand hygiene.
    • Practice social or physical distancing.
    • Practice cough and respiratory etiquette i.e. cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing or use your elbow if no tissue available.
    • Visit at the designated hospital visiting times unless prearranged with the relevant department.

    The prevalence of COVID-19 may fluctuate in the community and Beacon Hospital will continue to review and change infection prevention control and safety measures accordingly and at short notice if necessary.

  • Close-by Hotel Accommodation

    Often patients can be coming from further afield and may need to stay the night before a procedure in accommodation close by. This also goes for their travel companion, or in the case of a paediatric patient, their parent or guardian.

    The Clayton Hotel in Leopardstown is located less than a 5 minute drive from the hospital, and offers a special rate to Beacon Hospital patients and their families.

    To make a booking, you must phone or email the hotel and state that you are staying for medical reasons and have a procedure scheduled at Beacon Hospital. You can email reservations by clicking here or phone the hotel on 01 293 5000

  • I am unsteady on my feet, can a family member or friend help me in?

    Your friend or family member may help you as far as the door. At this point, they should inform the staff that you require assistance. A member of our team will be happy to either assist you with walking, or provide a wheelchair to bring you to the place of your appointment.

    We will help you out to the car after your appointment or can call your friend or family member to collect you at the door.

  • How do I know if my procedure will be covered by my health Insurance?

    Before any procedure takes place, patients are advised to contact their Private Health Insurance provider to check their level of cover.

    Your provider will be able to explain to you in detail your level of cover and any shortfalls or excesses, if any, which may be payable to the hospital upon your visit.

  • I need to get a Covid-19 test before my planned surgery/admission. Will I have to pay for this?

    No*. Patients who are required to have a Covid-19 Test will have the cost of their Covid test covered by their private health insurance provider.

    *If you do not have private health insurance and are a self-pay patient, you will be required to pay for this test.

  • I am due to have a procedure, but I am unwell. What should I do?

    If you are due to have a procedure or be admitted but are feeling unwell, please contact us and let us know before arriving at the hospital. Your Consultant may decide to postpone your procedure or admission until you are feeling well enough to proceed.

    Contact your Consultant’s secretary, the number will be on your appointment letter. If you cannot get through to your Consultant’s secretary, contact Beacon Hospital directly on 01 293 6600.

  • I am on regular medication, should I stop taking this before my procedure?

    Your Consultant should have covered this in your appointment ahead of your admission.

    Check your appointment letter or pre-op letter for these details. If you cannot find these, please contact your Consultant’s secretary or the hospital on 01 293 6600.

    Never make a guess when it comes to medication, if you are unsure, contact us and we will be happy to assist.

  • I was told to bring a list of all my medications but I cannot remember the name of them all. What should I do?

    If you are coming in for a procedure or admission, you will most likely have been asked to bring with you a list of all current medications.

    If you are unsure as to the names and dosages of all of your medications, please ask your Pharmacist who will be able to print you a list with all necessary details included.

  • I am unsure of how to get to Beacon Hospital. Can you provide me with directions or transport options?

    Please see our Getting Here & Parking page which details the various modes of transport for getting to Beacon Hospital.

    This page also gives directions for driving and details of parking facilities.

  • I have an outstanding bill. How can I make a payment?

    You can make a payment on the Pay a Bill section of our website by using credit or debit card. You will need to have your invoice to hand to use this service.

    You can use this form to pay all, or a portion of the total due.

    You can also pay over the phone by calling 01 293 8639. You will need to have your invoice to hand to use this service.

  • I would like to submit a compliment / complaint about my experience. How can I do this?

    At Beacon Hospital we are always happy to receive feedback about our patient’s experiences. Your feedback helps us to acknowledge staff members who go the extra mile and helps us to improve our services.

    You can send your feedback to [email protected]

    Alternatively, you can send this via post to: Patient Feedback, Beacon Hospital, Sandyford, Dublin 18, D18 AK68.

  • I am nervous about attending for my appointment due to Covid-19. What is Beacon Hospital doing to keep me safe?

    At Beacon Hospital patient safety is our number one priority. For information on all of the current steps Beacon Hospital is taking to keep you safe during these unprecedented times, see our Keeping You Safe page.

  • I want to see a Consultant; do I need a GP Referral?

    The majority of services require a referral from your GP. Exceptions to these services are the following; Emergency Department, Rapid Access Cardiology Clinic*, Physiotherapy*, Sports Lab*, Plastic Surgery*. 

    *Please note that all of the above, require an appointment to be made in advance and are not walk-in services.

  • I see you are accredited by JCI. What does this mean?

    JCI, or Joint Commission International, is the recognised global leader in health care accreditation. JCI shapes best practices and establishes the most rigorous standards in healthcare.

    Obtaining this accreditation signals that Beacon Hospital has undergone an exacting performance assessment and met a robust series of qualifications in patient safety and quality of care. If you would like to find out more about JCI Accreditation, please click here.

  • Are there hotels close-by I can stay in to avoid travelling on the morning of my surgery?

    Yes. The Clayton Hotel in Leopardstown offers a special rate to Beacon Hospital patients and their families. To avail of this special rate, contact the hotel by phone or email and state that you are staying for medical reasons and have a procedure scheduled at Beacon Hospital. You can email reservations by clicking here or phone the hotel on 01 293 5000.

    The Clayton Hotel Leopardstown is located just a 5 minute drive (1.6km) from Beacon Hospital.

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