HIQA report finds Portlaoise hospital standards compliant

THE Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has released an inspection report on Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise, finding it partially or substantially compliant across standards.

The inspection took place between 14-15 October 2025 to evaluate the compliance, safety, and quality standards of the hospital.

Inspectors interviewed patients, staff and management, observed the delivery of care and reviewed hospital documents to accurately assess the quality of treatment. The report was published by HIQA on 2 April.

Key areas flagged for improvement include governance, workforce stability, infrastructure and complaint management.

The report found that the hospital has clear governance frameworks with defined roles. However, the report also states that management roles are filled mainly on an interim basis, which has the potential to impact stability, and that governance structures and committee reporting needed clarification and full implementation.

Although the hospital demonstrated some improvements, such as the appointment of a microbiologist and a patient safety manager, challenges still exist in recruiting and retaining key staff.

Analysis of leadership was broadly positive however, with inspectors noting the availability of dedicated consultants and senior leaders. Staff interactions were respectful and patients generally reported positive experiences, although some patients were unaware of a complaints process.

The complaints process itself was criticised for lacking effective oversight and timely responses. Response times were below national targets and complaint data was not systematically analysed for trends. Complaints management staffing was under-resourced, the report states.

The HIQA report notes that since a previous inspection in 2024, the hospital’s Quality and Safety Executive Committee (QSEC) has been reinstated. HIQA calls this “a positive development.” HIQA states that the hospital has clear oversight of infection control, medication safety and deteriorating patient management, but some committees, like the Unscheduled Care Committee, are not meeting as scheduled. The report finds the hospital’s overarching audit plan lacking.

Staffing levels have increased in the emergency department, but long-term sustainability concerns remain due to high attendances and limited consultant posts.

The report notes that risk management structures exist within the hospital and local risk registers are maintained effectively, but the corporate risk register is not regularly updated, with some risks remaining open, despite being closed operationally.

Workforce training occurs at the hospital, with mandatory training records maintained via spreadsheets. Staff compliance is variable, however, with paediatric staff showing higher training completion rates.

Staff in paediatric wards had variable paediatric life support training: 61.9% of doctors, 64% of nurses and 100% of paediatric nurses. Medication training completion was low, with 64% of nurses having completed medication training through HSELanD, the HSE’s online learning and development portal.

The hospital faces ongoing infrastructural challenges, the HIQA report notes. There is inadequate storage, poor bed spacing, limited toilet and shower facilities and a lack of sufficient isolation rooms. Many of these issues remained unresolved since HIQA’s 2024 inspection.

Patients’ dignity and privacy were mostly supported, the report states, especially in paediatric areas, with privacy curtains and parental involvement. However, privacy was compromised in areas with patients on corridor chairs and in close bed spacing.

HIQA has devised a detailed compliance plan for the hospital, with actions and target dates set mainly for 2026. The plan focuses on governance formalisation, workforce planning, complaint oversight and environmental safety enhancements.

The full report is available to download from the HIQA website.