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06 Sept 2025
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06 Sept 2025
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Minister of State Sean Fleming with Minister for Health Stephen Donelly and HSE staff on his visit to Portlaoise where they met others including Dr John Connaughton, Clinical Director
A spend of €14 million is an investment of a scale that 'secures services' Portlaoise hospital for the future, according to Laois Offaly Minister of State Seán Fleming.
The Minister of State at the Department of Finance made the assessment after Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly paid his first visit to the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise, on November 2.
In a statement issued following the visit Minister Fleming said senior staff gave a full briefing on all aspects of activity and patient care in the hospital to Minister Donnelly.
He said Minister Donnelly confirmed the €14 million investment for the new Respiratory Assessment Unit and extension to the existing Paediatric Unit in Portlaoise.
"The Minister for Health also confirmed that an investment of this scale secures services at the Hospital for the future. The Minister also stated that the only discussions from the Department’s point of view in respect of the hospital in Portlaoise is in relation to future investment, staff recruitment and improvements in patient care," he said.
Minister Fleming also commented on the presence of hospital campaigners who have had to fight downgrade.
"I was particularly pleased that officers of the Portlaoise Hospital Action Committee thanked the Minister for this major investment in the Portlaoise Hospital which was a very positive development for the future of the hospital," said the Castletown-based TD.
The Fianna Fáil representative concluded his statement by thanking Minister Donnelly and acknowledged what he referred to as the outstanding work carried out by all the staff in hospital and Portlaoise Hospital Action Committee for their strong support for this announcement which claims secures the hospital for "decades to come".
The HSE confirmed to the Leinster Express that the Respiratory Assessment Unit was given final approval by the HSE board at the end of November. It had been slated for work for some time.
This two storey development is planned for the enhancement of the existing Emergency Department at ground floor level and to provide additional clinical accommodation at first floor level.
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