Community effort in Laois refreshes Portlaoise hospital room for mums and babies

The Midlands Regional Hospital Portlaoise is celebrating the completion of a newly refurbished Lactation Room, thanks to a collaborative effort supported by the Friends of Portlaoise Hospital.

The charity says this dedicated space will provide a comfortable and private area for mothers who need to breastfeed or express milk while at the hospital.

The Friends, which is, a dedicated volunteer organisation focused on improving hospital amenities and patient comforts, contributed by installing new flooring and painting the space, adding the finishing touches to create a warm and welcoming environment.

Staff at the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise thanked all involved in making this project a reality in a statement to the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

“I would like to thank Friends of Portlaoise Hospital for funding the refurbishment of the Infant feeding room and for their ongoing support for Maternity Services at MRHP. The funding has enabled us to create a restful less clinical environment for women and to support them to establish breastfeeding in the first few days which are often the most difficult especially if there are challenges with feeding” – Ita Kinsella, Director of Midwifery.

Claire Fitzpatrick is a CMSp Lactation and Infant Feeding.

“We are delighted with our new Infant Feeding Room. This is a quiet and comfortable space where mothers can bond with their babies without distractions. This room helps to create a positive breastfeeding experience, which is crucial for both mother’s and baby’s health. We thank the Friends of Portlaoise Hospital for their continued support to all Mothers and Babies,” she said.

The Friends say Doyle Construction, a well-established company, played a key role in the project by designing, purchasing, and installing custom woodwork and presses, ensuring the space is both functional and inviting. They were complimented for their dedication to detail and workmanship. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

The refurbished room.

TEF Tullamore, a provider of electrical solutions, generously donated the electrical equipment and specialised lighting needed for the refurbishment, helping to enhance the room's facilities. The Friends praised the commitment to quality which ensures the space is well-equipped for mothers using the facility.

Áine Reams, Friends of Portlaoise Hospital, expressed gratitude for the community support.

“We are very grateful to Doyles Construction and TEF Tullamore for generously contributing to this initiative. This Lactation Room will provide a much-needed resource for mothers, ensuring they have a comfortable space to care for their babies,” she said.

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The charity concluded that the initiative is a testament to the power of community collaboration and highlights the importance of supporting families within healthcare settings.

The official opening of the room was attended by Jack Cunningham, MRHP Maintenance Foreman, Eddie Flemming, TEF, Owen Keane, Doyles, Nuala McAre, Midwife, Tom Timmons (Chairperson), Ann Reams, Aoife Reams, Friends of Portlaoise Hospital. Seated l-r: Ita Kinsella Director of Midwifery MRHP Claire Fitzpatrick CMSp Lactation and Infant Feeding MRHP.