About Our Service
The Department of Perioperative Medicine provides comprehensive care, and pain relief management to women during pregnancy, labour and delivery. Pain relief is available to help you cope with your labour including:
Managing Pain During Labour and Delivery
Entonox
Entonox is an equal mixture of two gases (nitrous oxide and oxygen) and is commonly referred to as 'gas and air'. It is widely used for helping women to cope with labour.
Pethidine
Pethidine is a pain relieving drug which is given by intra-muscular injection.
Remifentanil Patient Controlled Anaesthesia (PCA)
Remifentanil is a morphine type pain-relieving drug, which acts very quickly, and is broken down rapidly by the body. This is given through a vein by a pump, which you can control yourself by pressing a hand-held switch.
Videos on Pain Relief Options During Labour
TENS Machine
This is a popular form of pain relief during labour. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is an application of painless electrical impulses through surface electrodes placed on the skin. TENS machines are available for hire or purchase from Medicare Rental & Sales (01 2014900 or www.medicare.ie.
Epidural
An epidural is given by an anaesthetist. This is the most popular form of pain relief and involves injecting a small amount of anaesthetic outside the spinal cord. A very fine, soft, plastic catheter is placed through the needle. Top-up drugs can be given through this as you need them. A pump filled with anaesthetic drugs can be connected to the epidural catheter, which can be activated by a hand-held switch.
Choose The Right Care For You
Our clinics offer tailored care for every stage of a woman’s life, from family planning and maternity to menopause and beyond. Whether you choose Public, Semi-Private, or Private services, we are here to provide expert, compassionate care that supports your health and well-being every step of the way.
Public Clinic
If you are living and working in Ireland and have the PRSI contributions or you have a medical card you can access free maternity and newborn care.
Semi Private Clinic
The semi-private clinic is a fee based option. Most women who choose this clinic use private health insurance to cover costs. .
Private Clinic
There are a number of consultant obstetricians offering services through our private clinic. Antenatal care fees vary between consultants..
Patient Experience
Every patient’s path to diagnosis and treatment is individual. No matter your specific journey, we believe in empowering you to take an active role in your healthcare.
Departments & Services
Help & Support
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Appointments:
All appointments can be directed through Hospital reception: 01 408 5200, 24 hours a day -
Health Insurance:
We operate a direct payment scheme with VHI, Laya Healthcare, Irish Life Health, Garda Medical Aid, ESB, Medical Provident Fund, and Prison Officers Medical Aid. If you are covered by any of these insurers, the relevant insurance forms are signed electronically on your admission to hospital.
Fees:
For more information on Fees - visit our Hospital Charges page -
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The Resource Page:
Browse our collection of patient resources, brochures, and information leaflets—all in one place. Downloadable and easy to access, these documents cover everything from appointments and procedures to maternity, newborn care, and more.
Contact Us
Tel: 01 408 5200
Find Us
The Coombe Hospital
Switchboard:
Location:
Cork St, Dublin, D08 XW7X