New Portlaoise hospital wing is active for flu fight in Laois

People with flu and other respiratory illnesses are set to get treatment in enhanced facilities at Portlaoise hospital with confirmation that part of the expanded Emergency Department (A&E / ED) is now operational.

The HSE confirmed to the Leinster Express / Laois Live that phased commissioning of the new €16 m wing to the unit that faced closure a decade ago, began in mid-December. This followed a meeting between the HSE and contractors to determine which part of the facility could be put into use.

Construction work was due to be completed at the end of June this year, with equipping to be completed by the end of 2025. The new phased opening is understood to have been decided upon at the meeting with contractors on Monday, December 15.

The HSE outlined the current status of the development and what services are provided.

“Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise has completed the first of a two-phase development to their ED service to improve adult and paediatric emergency isolation care, promoting safer and more efficient care for patients. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

“Phase one, now fully operational since 16 December 2025, adds new adult isolation rooms to strengthen the hospital’s response to flu and other isolation needs.

“Phase two, focusing on paediatric emergency enhancements, is on track to open in quarter one 2026,” said the HSE.

The HSE previously allocated €16.11 million to the development that has been built on a small plot that served as the former ED entrance. The project includes a ground-floor ED extension, including five new single treatment rooms, a resuscitation room, a family room and auxiliary facilities.

As to completion within budget, the HSE also provided an update.

“The project remains within agreed timelines and the HSE’s annual financial planning process,” it said.

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.

It is five years since the HSE first committed to upgrading facilities in Portlaoise for people with flu and other respiratory illnesses. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

Expansion of the ED was first confirmed during the Covid-19 pandemic when the HSE committed to a new respiratory assessment unit attached to the ED. The HSE said in early 2021 that construction would be completed by September that year and operational by December.

READ ALSO: Laois parents invited to protect kids from flu at Christmas pop-up vaccination clinics

The former health minister, Stephen Donnelly, visited the Laois hospital at the end of 2022 to officially confirm funding for the new additions.

His announcement in person was greeted with relief by staff and campaigners for the hospital, who fought an extensive downgrade.

WATCH: 2017 march for Portlaoise hospital

Public pressure forced the HSE to abandon 2017 plans to shut the ED and remove maternity and a range of other services. Under the HSE's plans, most services would have transferred to Tullamore by the end of 2022.