New Midland Hospital plans expanded due to demand
Flanagan Developments has applied for a larger hospital in Co Offaly
A new facility is being planned that can cater for patients throughout Laois and the midlands.
Tullamore based, John Flanagan Developments, has applied to Offaly County Council for an alteration and extension of a 99-bed hospital which was granted planning permission earlier this year.
The application seeks to alter the floor space of the hospital, reducing the in-patient bed space to 56 while increasing the capacity for outpatient day spaces and elective procedures.
The hospital will be located on the company's Wellwood site next door to Tullamore Regional Hospital on the N52 bypass around Tullamore.
''This new proposal will further enhance the healthcare needs of the greater midlands region.” said John Flanagan, Joint Managing Director.
''Following several feasibility studies on the needs of the healthcare service throughout the country it has become evident that the hospital will need to cater for more people. The health service continues to experience increased demands for both inpatient and outpatient services,'' said Mr Flanagan.
''Whilst our original plan was to commence building in the summer of 2023, further research into the healthcare needs both locally and nationally indicated that the increased size would allow for further supports to help address the deficit in such services in the midlands and greater midlands region,'' he said.
''This is an extremely important project for the country and the development needs to be in line with our growing population and needs to recognise future demands. The hospital project and the hospital itself will provide a substantial economic boost to Tullamore and the region,'' said Joint Managing Director, Dominic Doheny.
''The increased size will not only provide health services but will also provide more employment across several faculties. The comparatively low cost of living here means the town and county will continue to attract the best in medical expertise,'' said Mr Doheny.
Laois Offaly Fianna Fáil TD Barry Cowen has welcomed the news. ''It has become clear that the hospital will need to cater for more and more people as we continue to experience more demands on our regional services,'' said Deputy Cowen.
"This is an extremely important project and will have a major impact on the delivery of services in the region and help alleviate the backlogs,'' he said.