Hospital using debt agency to collect A&E fees

Patients attending Cork University Hospital’s emergency department are being issued “first and final” letters from a debt collection agency on behalf of the hospital.

The hospital is taking a tough stance on collecting the new €100 charge for attending the emergency department. And people are being warned if a payment is not received within 14 days, their account will be referred for debt collection.

The charge was implemented by Government in respect of attendances at all hospital EDs throughout Ireland.