Virtual urgent care service diverts 4,000 patients from Cork and Kerry hospital A&Es in its first year

The clinical director of emergency and acute care at CUH, Professor Conor Deasy, said: 'Often, patients can bypass the emergency department entirely and access their care directly.'

Lisbeth Carson using the Urgent Virtual Care service.

A virtual urgent care service for Cork and Kerry has seen over 5,700 patients in its first year with 4,000 of them treated without having to go to a hospital emergency department (ED).

Paramedics or GPs treating a patient can now contact Cork University Hospital and get advice as to the next best steps. They can speak directly with staff in emergency medicine or geriatric medicine, depending on the situation.

Lisbeth Carson said: 'I think it’s amazing.'

In thousands of cases this has meant people get help at home instead of going to the busy emergency departments in Cork or Tralee hospitals.  A fast-track rapid clinic also offers structured visits to emergency care if needed.

One woman described how her mother Sandra Carson, aged 87, used the service. She has chronic heart disease and went to her GP about worrying symptoms.

Lisbeth Carson said: “We were with the GP and he referred us to the rapid clinic in CUH which was absolutely fantastic, I think it’s amazing.”

Another former patient, Emma Slye, said she would definitely recommend this option. “They took care of me immediately, there was no waiting around,” she said. “I felt like I was being really cared for.” 

Paramedics or GPs treating a patient can now contact Cork University Hospital and get advice as to the next best steps. 

Since November 2024 the service has seen 5,743 patients in all. Some 73% or 4,192 patients did not need an ED after consultation.

The clinical director of emergency and acute care at CUH, Professor Conor Deasy, described the service as “a much-welcomed addition” to emergency care.

“We will help you as the patient navigate to the best care,” he said. “Often, patients can bypass the emergency department entirely and access their care directly.” 

In some cases patients are offered a video or telephone consultation with CUH staff. “That’s a very easy process,” he said. “You simply get a message from us on your smartphone into your messages. 

"You hit on it and your smartphone automatically opens up and you see a consultant in emergency medicine or a consultant in geriatric medicine on the other side.”  The doctors and patient then together work out the best approach for treatment.

Referrals can be made by GPs and paramedics only via Healthlink, email, or phone.

If the call with a GP or paramedic reveals the person does need an ED, Prof. Deasy said this happens in “a more structured, scheduled way than sitting in a long queue waiting for your turn.” 

One Cork GP said it has led to “better communication between GPs and hospitals”.

Dr Andrew Crosbie of Elmwood Medical Practice said: “There's a lot of reasons why people shouldn't be in hospital, but an awful lot of reasons why they end up there. And what we're looking for is just to explore other avenues by increasing communication with our hospital colleagues.” 

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The HSE is “committed to investing in this service” said Priscilla Lynch, HSE manager for Cork South and West. She added: "We encourage both patients and GPs to consider whether it’s a viable option for their needs.”

Referrals can be made by GPs and paramedics only via Healthlink, email, or phone.