CEO of the HSE, Bernard Gloster visited the Midlands Regional Hospital Portlaoise this week, for the first time since he was appointed to the position almost seven months ago.
Mr Gloster’s visit followed his attendance at a National Advance Practice Nurse Conference in the Midlands Park Hotel.
The appearance was part of a series of visits to hospitals and services around the country where Mr Gloster has met with management and frontline healthcare workers.
He was welcomed to Portlaoise Hospital by John Joyce, Hospital Manager, and Trevor O’Callaghan, CEO of the Dublin Midlands Hospital Group.
Mr Gloster heard about developments such as the new respiratory assessment unit under construction, and a new ambulatory care unit which is designed to improve patient flow.
He also heard from nursing and midwifery staff and senior clinicians in the ED, Maternity Department and on the Inpatient Ward areas.
As part of the visit he met with Gemma Delaney Hyland who has received HSE sponsorship to complete a general nursing degree following 18 years working in Portlaoise Hospital as a Multi-Task Attendant.
Mr. Gloster wished Gemma the very best for the beginning of her nursing career and commended her for her determination and work ethic and commitment to pursing her career as a general nurse.
Student nurses Catriona Dillon from Portlaoise and Glen Tobin from Mountrath, who started their student nurse placement in Portlaoise Hospital, also had an opportunity to speak with Mr. Gloster.
“We were very pleased to have Mr. Gloster visit the Hospital and see the ongoing developments and hear about our future plans and challenges,” Mr. John Joyce, Hospital Manager said.
“It was great to have him meet with staff and directly hear from them on their services. Portlaoise Hospital is very busy and that is appreciated as a high priority for us all.
“Our ongoing work on patient pathways and new developments such as the respiratory assessment unit, AMAU and ambulatory care unit are focused on improving the quality and safety of patient care for our population.”
Olivia Lafferty, Director of Nursing, Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise said:
“We are very proud of the services in Portlaoise Hospital and all our staff working right across Hospital.
“I am very pleased Mr. Gloster got to meet with Gemma, Catriona and Dillon, who demonstrated how we are working to encourage and professionally develop and support all staff to have a fulfilling career in Portlaoise Hospital.
“The foundation of our services is the people who work here.”
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