Figures released by Sinn Fein TD Brian Stanley today show that, in 2022, Portlaoise Hospital was one of the busiest outside of Dublin.
A total of 42,387 patients attended the ED last year, Deputy Stanley confirmed.
He said: “Figures I received recently from the HSE outline the month on month increase throughout 2022 for emergency presentations at the Hospital.
“The monthly figures increased steadily throughout with 3,071 patients attending in January, but by December this increased each month and hit a record high of 4,054.
“Great credit is due to the staff at the hospital who have managed to deal with each case and have also worked hard to reduce the number of patients on trolleys.’’
In light of these figures, Deputy Stanley says it is important that extra capacity is put into the hospital.
He said: “It is important that the extra capacity is put into Portlaoise to cater for the increase of population of the region.
“Adequate space and sufficient staffing numbers are essential in terms of good outcomes for patients. When patients are not seen in a timely manner it can lead to a backup with ambulances attending with very ill patients.
“The huge volume of people being treated in Portlaoise Hospital vindicates the case that has been made over the years for retention of emergency services and increased investment in the Hospital.
“I look forward to the construction works being completed for the new extension at the Hospital.”
