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09 Dec 2025
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09 Dec 2025
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Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise
A multi-million euro expansion of Portlaoise hospital is set to be completed by next year but the process of staffing the new units is unclear with nurses fearing that they will have to manage with 'existing resources'
The HSE confirmed to the Leinster Express / Laois Live that work is nearly complete on the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise.
It said the extension of the adult and paediatric Emergency Department (ED/A&E) at Portlaoise hospital is a two-storey development planned to enhance the existing ED. The HSE said capital funding of €16.11 million was allocated to this development.
The project includes a ground-floor ED extension, including five new single treatment rooms, a resuscitation room, a family room and auxiliary facilities.
The construction work has also involved the addition of first floor ED extension, including treatment facilities for five paediatric patients, a resuscitation room, a triage room and auxiliary facilities.
The HSE gave an update on the completion timeframe and what was being done to staff the expansion.
"This development will allow for improved patient care and privacy. It is expected that the building extension to the hospital will be completed in 2025. Staff planning for the ED extension is currently with management," said a statement.
The HSE issued that update on the project to the Leinster Express / Laois Live after the staffing the for extra facilities was raised at a recent cross-trade union protest on the Dublin Road hospital in Portlaoise.
Staff who spoke with the Leinster Express / Laois Live were adamant in their concerns that they would be expected to manage without additional recruitment which they said is essential to allow the unit to operate.
Healthcare workers from several trade unions took to the streets of Laois united in protest at Portlaoise hospital on November 29 at what they claimed was a ban on recruitment disguised as the HSE's Pay and Numbers Strategy.
Apart from the investment in medical facilities, the HSE is in the process of building a new car park for the hospital.
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