New €16m extension opened at Portlaoise hospital
Health minster Jennifer Carroll MacNeill opened a two-storey adult and paediatric emergency department (ED) extension at Portlaoise hospital
A NEW €16m extension to the emergency department at Portlaoise hospital was officially opened this afternoon.
Health minster Jennifer Carroll MacNeill did the honours at the opening of a two-storey adult and paediatric emergency department (ED) extension.
The ceremony at what is now Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise (MRHP) came 90 years after the hospital was founded.
The HSE said the development is aimed at increasing emergency care capacity and improving patient services across the midlands region.
The adult ED extension includes five isolation treatment rooms, a resuscitation room, a family room and a new reception area.
The paediatric section has four isolation treatment rooms, a resuscitation room, triage facilities and additional support accommodation.
The official opening ceremony also marked the hospital’s long-standing role within the community, with memorial sculptures unveiled during the event in recognition of the contribution made by patients and staff over nine.
Speaking at the opening, Minister Carroll MacNeill said the project reflected continued investment in urgent and emergency care services.
She said the expanded facilities would support staff in delivering “safe, timely and high-quality care” in a modern healthcare environment.
Hospital Manager Eileen Burke described the opening as a significant milestone for the hospital and wider community.
She said the extension would strengthen the hospital’s ability to deal with increasing demand while improving patient experience and supporting frontline staff.
Ms Burke also noted that the event coincided with the 90th anniversary of the hospital’s foundation.
Dublin and Midlands Health Region Regional Executive Officer Kate Killeen White said the extension represented a major investment in emergency care services within the region.
She said the project would help improve patient flow, increase capacity and support the delivery of sustainable healthcare services into the future.
The event was attended by HSE staff, elected representatives, hospital staff, community groups and guests.
