New Laois health projects on horizion in HSE spending plan

New Laois health facilities and the completion of work at Portlaoise and Mountmellick hospitals are outlined in the the Health Service Executive’s Capital Plan for 2025

Annoucing the plan the Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, said it includes a "transformative investment" of €17.72 million for Laois as part of a record €1.33 billion allocated nationally for the development and enhancement of healthcare infrastructure according.

Most of the Laois money is allocated to Laois health services provided from Portlaoise but there is also funding for Mountmellick and Mountrath projects.

Nearly €13 million of the money for Laois is assiged to complete big projects at the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise and St Vincent's Hospital in Mountmellick.

Phase 1 of the redevelopment of St Vincent's is due to be completed in 2025. The new 50 bed unit was built to comply with HIQA regulations.

Also near completion is the building of a new two-storey wing at Portlaoise hospital for emergency care and the treatment of children. Part of this was committed to during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The HSE's plan gives the goahead for a tender for fire safety improvement works and emergency lighting system upgrades at Portlaois hospital. Tender approval is given for the purchase and refurbishment of a property beside the hospital for on-call accommodation.

Money has also been allocated to propare a submission to increase beds in the hospital under the Acute Inpatient Bed Capacity Expansion Plan 2024-2031. 

A tender is also approved for the phased delivery of anti-ligature works at Portlaoise hospital's Acute Mental Health Unit.

Tender approval has also been given for the completion of fire upgrade works at six midlands community nursing units following completion of Fire Risk Assessments. The Laois units are in Mountmellick, Abbeyleix and Shaen.

The HSE has earmarked the St Fintan's Hospital campus in Portlaoise for several projects.

The HSE has released funds to prepare a detailed design for Hub 24. This new building would be used for for interim and long-term accommodation for chronic disease and an elderly care outreach service. Phase 1 will comprise the interim hub and phase 2 will involve the fit-out of the remainder of the new build to provide the long-term hub.

Money has been allocated for detailed designs for a new build Portlaoise Priamary Care Centre on the Dublin Road Campus.

Also at St Fintan's the green light has been given for a detailed design for refurbishment works for Laois Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service unit.

Another initiative at St Fintan's that has been allocated funds for appraisal is the construction of two 10 bed high support units in a community residence.

Funding has also been alloacated to appraise the possiblity of a new Community Mental Health day centre to replace the Triogue Centre on Bridge Street.

The HSE has also allocated money for the 'design feasibility' of proposed Primary Care Centre in Mountrath.

READ ALSO: Portlaoise hospital on the home stretch

Laois Fine Gael TD Willie Aird welcomed the plan.

“Investment in our health service is essential, and today’s announcement, including in Primary Care Centres in Mountrath and Portlaoise, is a strong demonstration of this Government’s commitment to delivering high-quality, accessible healthcare in our communities.

“For our area, this means direct investment in the Midlands Regional Hospital and St Fintan’s Hospital, Portlaoise and also in St Vincent’s Hospital Mountmellick. This is welcome news that will help bring healthcare services closer to home and better meet the needs of patients and families across Co Laois," he said.

The Department of Health said investment in 2025 will enable the progression of multiple Government priority projects, including the completion of the New Children's Hospital, construction of the National Maternity Hospital, continued delivery of additional bed capacity under the Acute Hospital Inpatient Bed Capacity Expansion Plan 2024-2031, and construction of new Surgical Hubs and Elective Care Centres.

The Department also said it facilitates the development of infrastructure to support mental health service delivery and the delivery of more Primary Care Centres and community-based infrastructure to help ensure people can access appropriate care closer to home.