New Laois health screening service promised for Portlaoise

Sean Fleming T.D., Minister of State, welcomes that a new diabetic retina screening service will open in Portlaoise.

This new service will be in place and fully operational before the end of March 2024.

The diabetic retina screening service will help to detect diabetic retinopathy. This is a complication of diabetes which can cause blindness if untreated.

Negotiations are at a final stage and a contract will be in place in January 2024. Details of the location of the service will be announced once the contract has been fully signed off.

"I am pleased to see that this vital service will be up and running in early 2024. This service will deliver great benefits to people with diabetes in the Midlands who are at risk of losing their sight. This will also allow people with diabetes to enhance their quality of life."

There has been significant Government investment in health services in Laois this year. €14 million has been invested in Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise, to develop new services, and €7 million has been invested in St Vincent’s Hospital, Mountmellick for a major new extension.