Independent TD for Laois-Offaly, Carol Nolan, says the HSE has assured her that there will be no change to services currently provided at Portlaoise Hospital.
Deputy Nolan had sought an explicit guarantee that there are no plans in place to downgrade any of the services currently in operation at Portlaoise.
In written correspondence, she also asked for an update on the potential downgrading of the Emergency Department.
Deputy Nolan said: “I am aware that the Secretary of the Portlaoise Hospital Action Committee John Hanniffy recently spoke about the need for Minister Donnelly to visit and publicly re-state the government’s commitment to the future of Portlaoise.
“That is something I would support even after the statement issued to me today by the HSE.
“However, I do want to welcome the confirmation provided by the HSE as it is extremely important that people have certainty around the future of our Hospital.
“Now more than ever it is vital that the provision of acute-care hospital services, a 24-hour Emergency Department and inpatient and outpatient services remain in place.
“Especially as we are clearly heading into what is going to be by all accounts a time of significant pressure on local health care systems.”
The correspondence came after Deputy Nolan wrote to the HSE seeking explicit assurances from them that there are no plans in place to downgrade any of the services currently in operation at Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise, including a downgrading of the Emergency Department.
In response, General Manager of Portlaoise Hospital, Michael Knowles, said: “I refer to your recent correspondence in respect of the above mentioned REP.
“There is no change to service provision at The Midland Regional Hospital, Portlaoise.
“I trust this clarifies the matter.”
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