Portlaoise hospital gains vital equipment thanks to local donors
Emma Dempsey, Chairperson of Friends of Portlaoise Hospital; Ger Egan, Friends of Portlaoise Hospital; Toney Ryan, Road to Recovery; Monica Pataki, Anaesthetist MRHP; Anne Whitford, Anaesthetist MRHP; Jane Wallace, Clinical Nurse Manager Theatre MRHP; and Niamh Ryan, Road to Recovery
A DONATION of over €6,823.50 from the Road to Recovery charity event enabled Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise to purchase two vital pieces of equipment this summer.
The first piece of equipment was a breast pump for the Special Care Baby Unit, which ensures that vulnerable babies receive the vital nutrition and care they need during the critical early days.
Secondly, the hospital purchased a McGrath Video Laryngoscope, a state-of-the-art device that greatly assists staff in performing safer, more efficient airway management. This advanced tool enhances visibility and precision during intubation.
The funds for the equipment were raised by Toney Ryan from Pike of Rushall, along with his wife Margaret, daughter Niamh, and other family members. They organised the annual Road to Recovery Road Run with Friends of Portlaoise Hospital on 23 February this year as a way of giving back to one of the hospitals that supported Mr Ryan through difficult health issues.
The Friends of Portlaoise Hospital expressed their heartfelt thanks to the Road to Recovery team for their exceptional fundraising. They said these moments highlight the real, tangible benefits of community fundraising.
“These pieces of equipment will make a real and immediate difference to families during some of their most vulnerable moments, and we are so thankful to Toney and his family for choosing the Friends as their beneficiaries for the Road Run this year", said Áine Reams of the Friends of Portlaoise Hospital.
The purchase of the equipment, which was requested by the hospital, “wouldn't be possible without the generosity shown by the Road to Recovery team”, she said.
Anne Whitford, Consultant Anaesthetist at MRHP said the department was grateful for “this additional piece of life saving equipment”. Ms Whitford said “This device is used on a daily basis and is an important clinical aid to our work."
The Road to Recovery team has announced that next year’s Road Run will be held again in aid of the Friends of Portlaoise Hospital, taking place on Sunday, 22 February 2026.
