Skip to content

Can You Change Hospitals or Consultants in Ireland? (What You Need to Know)

Last updated: 2026 | Reading time: approx. 6–7 minutes

If you’ve been referred to a hospital or consultant, you might assume you have to stay where you’ve been sent.

But many patients ask:

Can I change hospital or consultant — especially if the wait is long?

The short answer is: sometimes, yes — but it depends on how your care is arranged.

This guide explains:

  • When you can change hospital or consultant
  • How to do it
  • What to consider before making a change

Can You Choose Your Hospital or Consultant?

In the public system, choice is limited.

  • Your GP usually refers you to a specific hospital or service
  • You are placed on that hospital’s waiting list

However, this does not mean you have no options.

When Can You Change Hospital?

You may be able to change hospital if:

  • Waiting times are significantly shorter elsewhere
  • You are willing to travel
  • Your GP agrees to refer you to a different hospital

How to do it:

  • Contact your GP
  • Ask for a new referral to a different hospital
  • Your original referral may need to be cancelled

Important Consideration

If you switch hospitals:

  • You usually start again on a new waiting list
  • Your waiting time may reset

This can be worthwhile if:

  • The new hospital has significantly shorter waiting times

Can You Change Consultant?

Yes, in some cases.

In the public system

  • You generally cannot choose a specific consultant
  • You are assigned based on service availability

However:

  • You can ask your GP to refer you to a different service or consultant team

In the private system

You have much more choice.

You can:

  • Choose a specific consultant
  • Change consultants more easily
  • Book directly (with a referral)

Switching from Public to Private

Some patients choose to:

  • Stay on a public waiting list
  • See a consultant privately in the meantime

This can:

  • Speed up diagnosis
  • Help move your care forward

National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF)

In some cases, you may be offered treatment in another hospital through the National Treatment Purchase Fund.

This can include:

  • Private hospitals in Ireland
  • Treatment arranged by the HSE

You do not apply directly — you may be contacted if eligible.

What to Consider Before Changing

Before requesting a change, think about:

1. Waiting time vs restarting

Switching may shorten your wait — or delay it further.

2. Travel distance

A shorter wait may involve travelling further.

3. Continuity of care

Changing providers can affect follow-up and coordination.

4. Costs (if going private)

Private care can involve significant costs if not covered by insurance.

Practical Steps

If you are considering changing:

  1. Speak to your GP
  2. Ask about alternative hospitals or services
  3. Check waiting times where possible
  4. Decide whether switching is worth restarting

What This Means in Practice

You are not completely locked into one pathway — but changing requires careful consideration.

For many patients:

  • Staying on the list is the simplest option
  • Switching can be beneficial if delays are very long

Key Takeaways

  • You can sometimes change hospital by getting a new GP referral
  • This usually means starting again on a new waiting list
  • Choice is limited in the public system but greater privately
  • The NTPF may offer alternative treatment in some cases
  • Always weigh waiting time, travel, and continuity before switching

Further Information