Specific support needs
We have a range of supports in place to help our patients with specific needs.
Mobility needs
Access
All of our main hospital entrances are wheelchair accessible. Lifts are available to all public access levels in the three main wings of the hospital - the Whitty Wing, the McGivney Wing and the Misericordiae Wing. The listed buildings have limited disability access. This includes some of the services located out on Eccles Street. If you are attending these areas, please contact us in advance so that we can accommodate you.
Wheelchairs
Coin-operated wheelchairs, which take a one euro coin, are available at these locations:
- The Whitty entrance on the North Circular Road, which is the main hospital entrance
- The underground car park, on Levels Minus 1 and Minus 2
If you can't find a wheelchair, please ask staff at the Whitty Wing reception for help. The reception is located just inside the Whitty entrance on the North Circular Road.
Parking
There are disabled parking spaces available in the underground car park and on both Eccles Street and North Circular Road. You must display a disabled parking permit card in the vehicle. See our hospital parking page for more information.
Wheelchair assistance
We can arrange you for someone to help you with your wheelchair if necessary. Please contact the ward or department you are attending before your visit.
Hearing impairment needs
Interpreters
Where possible, we provide sign language interpreters and lip readers. If you need an interpreter, please contact the ward or department staff and we will arrange one for you. The interpreter is completely independent and will not offer advice or guidance.
It is hospital policy that family members and friends of a patient cannot act as their interpreters, apart from exceptional circumstances.
Most departments provide an email address within our contact directory. If you are having difficulty getting in touch, please email accessofficer@mater.ie.
Hearing loops
Hearing loops are available in key locations around the hospital, wherever you see the hearing loop symbol.
Extra help
We can also support you by:
- Texting appointment information to you
- Providing you with emergency visual alarms
- Recording your special requirements on our hospital information system
Assistance Dogs
Assistance dogs (Guide Dogs, Hearing Dogs and Service Dogs etc) are allowed in most areas of the hospital. Please phone the relevant ward or department before coming to the hospital to confirm that you will have your assistance dog with you (a relative or friend can assist with the phone call if necessary), as some areas may be more restricted for hygiene reasons.
The ward or department manager will help with your requirements to make sure your visit to the hospital with your assistance dog as easy as possible.
Further Information
If you have queries or need more information related to available supports for your specific needs in the hospital, please contact our Access Officer by phone on 01 803 4797 or by email accessofficer@mater.ie