New Laois health projects on horizion in HSE spending plan

New Laois health facilities and the completion of work at Portlaoise and Mountmellick hospitals are outlined in the the Health Service Executive’s Capital Plan for 2025

Announcing the plan the Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, said it includes a "transformative investment" of €17.72 million for Laois as part of a record €1.33 billion allocated nationally for the development and enhancement of healthcare infrastructure according.

Most of the Laois money is allocated to Laois health services provided from Portlaoise but there is also funding for Mountmellick and Mountrath projects.

Nearly €13 million of the money for Laois is assigned to complete big projects at the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise and St Vincent's Hospital in Mountmellick.

A total of €6.82 million is allocated for phase 1 of the redevelopment of St Vincent's which is due to be completed in 2025. The new 50-bed unit was pursued to comply with HIQA regulations.  The HSE has allocated €300k for design feasibility for phase 2 & 3 of the project which would be a 50-bed new build and a 30-bed refurbishment.

Also near completion is the building of a new two-storey wing at Portlaoise hospital for emergency care and the treatment of children. Part of this was committed to during the Covid-19 pandemic. A total of €5.7 million is going to the project in 2025.

The HSE's plan gives the go-ahead for a tender for fire safety improvement works and emergency lighting system upgrades at Portlaoise hospital at a cost of €800k. Tender approval is given for the purchase and refurbishment of a property beside the hospital for on-call accommodation costing €300k.

Money has also been allocated to prepare a submission to increase beds in the hospital under the Acute Inpatient Bed Capacity Expansion Plan 2024-2031. The HSE is spending €200k on this project. 

A tender is also approved for the phased delivery of anti-ligature works at Portlaoise hospital's Acute Mental Health Unit at a cost of €750k.

Tender approval has also been given for the completion of fire upgrade works at six midlands community nursing units following the completion of fire risk assessments. The Laois units are in Mountmellick, Abbeyleix and Shaen. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Pictured: St Vincent's Hospital Mountmellick. Pic: Leinster Express / Laois Live

The HSE has earmarked the St Fintan's Hospital campus in Portlaoise for several projects.

The HSE has released €800k to prepare a detailed design for Hub 24. This enhanced community care facility would be used for for interim and long-term accommodation for chronic disease and an elderly care outreach service. Phase 1 will comprise the interim hub and phase 2 will involve the fit-out of the remainder of the new build to provide the long-term hub.

HSE Dublin Midlands said is seeking approval to move onto Stage 2a, scheme design, which includes scoping exercises, preliminary floor layouts and more detailed costings.

A total of €500k has been allocated for detailed designs for a new-build Portlaoise Primary Care Centre on the Dublin Road Campus.

Also at St Fintan's the green light has been given for a detailed design for refurbishment works for Laois Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service unit. This will cost €1 m.

Another initiative at St Fintan's that has been allocated funds for appraisal is the construction of two 10 bed high support units in a community residence costing €200k.

The HSE has allocated €100k to appraise the possibility of a new Community Mental Health day centre to replace the Triogue Centre on Bridge Street.

The HSE has also allocated €250k for the 'design feasibility' of the proposed Primary Care Centre in Mountrath.

READ ALSO: Portlaoise hospital on the home stretch

Laois Fine Gael TD Willie Aird welcomed the plan.

“Investment in our health service is essential, and today’s announcement, including in Primary Care Centres in Mountrath and Portlaoise, is a strong demonstration of this Government’s commitment to delivering high-quality, accessible healthcare in our communities.

“For our area, this means direct investment in the Midlands Regional Hospital and St Fintan’s Hospital, Portlaoise and also in St Vincent’s Hospital Mountmellick. This is welcome news that will help bring healthcare services closer to home and better meet the needs of patients and families across Co Laois," he said.

Laois Fianna Fáil TD Seán Fleming was also pleased.

"These works will help improve health services for people across the County and this new investment is a guarantee of better health facilities in the county for years to come.

"The funding has been provided by the Government and it is essential that the HSE deliver on all the projects that are being funded and not to leave any of this money unspent in Laois," he said.

The Department of Health said investment in 2025 will enable the progression of multiple Government priority projects, including the completion of the New Children's Hospital, construction of the National Maternity Hospital, continued delivery of additional bed capacity under the Acute Hospital Inpatient Bed Capacity Expansion Plan 2024-2031, and construction of new Surgical Hubs and Elective Care Centres.

The Department also said it facilitates the development of infrastructure to support mental health service delivery and the delivery of more Primary Care Centres and community-based infrastructure to help ensure people can access appropriate care closer to home.