Minister for Health Officially Opens New Emergency Department Extension at Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise

The Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD, today officially opened the new Adult and Paediatric Emergency Department Extension at Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise.

The event also provided an opportunity to recognise the hospital’s longstanding role in supporting patients and communities across the Midlands. The event also included the unveiling of memorial sculptures acknowledging the contribution of patients and staff.

The new Emergency Department extension represents a significant investment in healthcare infrastructure for the Midlands region and forms part of the ongoing programme of development at the hospital to enhance patient care, improve patient flow and expand acute care capacity.

The development includes a new two-storey extension providing expanded adult and paediatric emergency care facilities. The adult Emergency Department now includes five isolation treatment rooms, a resuscitation room, family room and new reception area. The extension for the Paediatric Emergency Department includes four isolation treatment rooms, a resuscitation room, triage facilities and enhanced support accommodation.

Speaking at the event, Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD said:

“This new extension at Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise demonstrates our continued commitment to investing in modern healthcare infrastructure and improving access to urgent and emergency care services for patients and families across the Midlands.

The expanded facilities will help support the dedicated staff in the hospital to deliver safe, timely and high-quality care in a modern environment designed around the needs of their patients.”

Hospital Manager at Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise, Eileen Burke, said:

“Today marks a significant milestone for our hospital, our patients and the wider community we serve. The opening of the Emergency Department extension strengthens our ability to respond to the increasing demand while supporting staff to continue to deliver high-quality care.  

As we mark 90 years since the hospital’s foundation, we recognise the dedication of those who came before us.  Their contribution has shaped the hospital of today and continues to underpin the high standard of care we strive to deliver every day. The new development alongside the commitment of our staff represents an important step in improving access and enhancing the experience for all our patients and community into the future”.

Dublin and Midlands Health Region Regional Executive Officer, Kate Killeen White, said:

“This development represents a significant investment in urgent and emergency care services across the Dublin and Midlands Health Region and reflects our ongoing commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure for the communities we serve. The extension will enhance patient flow, increase capacity and support our staff in delivering timely, safe and high-quality care in a modern environment. As a region, we are focused on continuing to develop sustainable services that meet the growing healthcare needs of our population now and into the future.”

The event was attended by representatives from the Health Service Executive, elected representatives, hospital staff, community stakeholders, representatives from local voluntary groups and invited guests.