Doctors in Ireland can send prescriptions directly to pharmacies using Healthmail, a secure clinical email service for healthcare professionals. This approach speeds up ordering, removes paperwork for many patients, and works smoothly with delivery or collection.
What Healthmail is and who uses it
Healthmail provides secure accounts to healthcare professionals so patient information can be shared safely. GPs, hospitals and pharmacies use it to communicate prescriptions and care updates. Messages are encrypted and sent between verified addresses, which protects patient privacy. From a patient perspective, the main benefit is simplicity, because your doctor can send the prescription straight to the pharmacy of your choice.
How it works for patients
Tell your doctor which pharmacy you would like to use. The doctor sends the prescription to the pharmacy’s secure address. The pharmacy receives the message, the pharmacist performs clinical checks, and you arrange collection or delivery. You do not usually need to handle a paper script, and you can track progress by phone or text depending on the pharmacy’s process.
If you do not yet have a prescription and your condition is appropriate for remote assessment, you can consider an online doctor. After assessment, the doctor can send a prescription to your chosen pharmacy using Healthmail if it is suitable to do so.
Privacy, consent and identification
Healthmail is designed for professional to professional communication. Pharmacies still verify identity before supply, for example by checking your name, address or date of birth at the counter or door. If you want a family member to collect or receive delivery, tell the pharmacy in advance and make sure the person understands how to store and use the medicines safely.
Using Healthmail with delivery
Delivery pairs well with electronic transfer because the pharmacy can receive the prescription, dispense, and arrange a delivery slot without any extra admin for you. If you live in a rural area or have mobility issues, this can save time and make adherence easier. For an overview of organising an online order from start to finish, see how to order a prescription online in Ireland and read about prescription delivery in Ireland.
FAQs
Can my doctor email a prescription to a pharmacy?
Yes. Healthmail allows doctors to send prescriptions securely to pharmacies in Ireland.
Do I have to collect in person after a Healthmail prescription?
No. You can arrange delivery or collection once the pharmacy confirms your order.
Is there a charge for using Healthmail?
No. There is no extra charge to patients for electronic transfer.
Can an online doctor send a prescription?
Yes for suitable conditions after assessment. The doctor can send the prescription to your chosen pharmacy using Healthmail.
If you need help getting started, phone the pharmacy and the team will guide you from prescription to supply.
