Record number of patients through the doors of Portlaoise hospital A&E

A record number of patients have attended Portlaoise hospital's Emergency Department (ED / A&E) which the HSE wanted to be shut by 2022, according to figures obtained by a local TD.

Sinn Féin's Brian Stanley says figures he has received from the HSE outline the month-on-month increase throughout 2022 for emergency presentations at the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise.

He says they show that a total of 42,387 patients attended the Laois ED last year which he claims makes it one of the busiest emergency units outside of Dublin.

He said the monthly figures increased steadily throughout with 3,071 patients attending in January, but by December this increased each month and hit a record high of 4,054.

He praised the staff for their response.

"Great credit is due to the staff at the hospital who have managed to deal with each case and have also worked hard to reduce the number of patients on trolleys.

“It is important that the extra capacity is put into Portlaoise to cater for the increase of population of the region. Adequate space and sufficient staffing numbers are essential in terms of good outcomes for patients. When patients are not seen in a timely manner it can lead to a backup with ambulances attending with very ill patients. The huge volume of people being treated in Portlaoise hospital vindicates the case that has been made over the years for retention of emergency services and increased investment in the Hospital," he said.

Green light for major nursing home extension in Portarlington

The TD concluded by saying he looks forward to the construction works being completed for the new extension at the hospital.

The green light was given recently by Government to fund a new respiratory unit at the hospital. Pediatric facilities are also in line for expansion.

A plan leaked to Dep Stanley in 2017 outlined a detailed downgrade plan for Dublin Midlands Hospital Group. By 2022 it had been hoped to shut the ED as well as removing ICU surgery, paediatrics and maternity from the hospital.