Contracts to build Portlaoise hospital unit nearly ready two years after green light given

Contracts are finally nearly ready to build a unit in Portlaoise hospital that was promised two years ago and is supposed to have been operating at the end of 2021.

Laois Sinn Féin TD Brian Stanley said in a statement that he has received an update on the progress for construction works on the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise campus from the Minister for Health.

Dep Stanley said contracts are being prepared and site mobilisation is underway to build the respiratory assessment unit which was first approved during the Covid-19 pandemic. The pediatric unit is also being expanded under an expanded €14 million plan.

"The Department has clarified that the contract documents are being finalised. This clears the way for actual construction works to start within the next few weeks and the time frame for completion works is 15 – 18 months," he said.

The project will incorporate the planned Respiratory Assessment Unit, which will include five treatment rooms and ancillary rooms. Major works are also planned to allow for the expansion to the Paediatrics Department including a range of new facilities to be attached to it. These will include treatment rooms, resuscitation room, nurse’s station and reception area.

There is also a proposal for an extension and refurbishment in the existing Maternity Unit and for ensuite bedroom accommodation.

"Major refurbishment and extension of the unit is badly needed. The HSE are due to engage a design team for this over the next 4 months.

“This progress is very welcome as it will provide badly needed extra space and improve facilities where it is most needed in the Hospital. This long overdue investment will enhance the status of Portlaoise Hospital and greatly improve facilities for both patients and staff," he said.

He said he has been raising this regularly with the Minister for Health and HSE Estates and would continue with this to ensure that further improvements are carried out in the Laois hospital.

He added that he did not expect the RAU and paediatric unit to be delayed due to funding. However, he said is important to get clarification that the maternity unit will be funded because the facilities badly need upgrading.

It's just over years since the HSE first announced its intention to build the respiratory unit. In February 2021 it said construction would be completed by September that year and operational by December. The HSE said a total of €2.7 million has been budgeted for 2021 with the total cost running to €4.9 million. At the time it was envisaged that it was needed for Covid-19.

The total cost of the project is estimated at €5.5m. 

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly visited Portlaoise hospital at the end of 2022 to officially confirm funding for the new additions.