On what has been a difficult week for rural Ireland, news that the Midlands Regional Hospital, Mullingar is to benefit from a €6.5m development is a positive vote oF confidence in the town.
It was confirmed on Tuesday of this week that the Midlands Regional Hospital in Mullingar has been approved for €4.75m under the Government’s Capital Programme, making for a total investment of €6.5m in the hospital. The funding will be used to expand the current building and is a significant investment in Mullingar’s main hospital, following many frustrating years in which people were concerned about the future of the facility.
A spokesperson said they are delighted to announce that €6.5m has been approved to construct and fit out a brand new out-patients area. The new building will be directly adjacent to the main building at Mullingar’s Regional Hospital, on the hospital campus.
Furthermore, a new covid isolation ward has been completed and it is planned to open it in the coming weeks, which is another significant boost after a hugely challenging year for frontline workers.
“This is a really positive day for Regional Hospital Mullingar. It’s a significant investment in our hospital, staff and community. I’ve been so proud of the staff in the hospital, the last 12 months have been extremely difficult. The news today is a big boost to morale for everyone,” said Hospital General Manager, Anita Brennan.
While news that Bank of Ireland branches are to close in Kinnegad, Castlepollard, Moate and Athlone has led to serious concerns about the downgrading of rural areas, this latest news which emerged on Tuesday afternoon, 2 March, is certainly a welcome boost.
Main Emergency Department
The new bespoke out-patients area will be a two storey development. It will enable a comfortable, safe and adequate space where patients can be seen and treated and will have a positive impact on the patient’s experience.
The movement of the out-patients area to a new space will enable the current out-patient area to become a clinical space in the main hospital. This area will be designed to relieve the pressure on the hospital’s main Emergency Department (paediatric and adult), from a space perspective; again affecting a positive patient experience and improve staff working conditions.
Mullingar Regional Hospital will be able to regain 11 vital beds lost due to the establishment of different treatment pathways within the hospital because of the pandemic.
This project was confirmed in the HSE’s 2021 Capital Programme. The total budget allocation for this project is €6.5m, with €4.75 allocated in 2021.
The new outpatients department, which will facilitate Emergency Department and respiratory assessment unit, gained approval following an application developed by the Hospital to address their specific needs.
Minister for Trade Promotion and Fianna Fáil TD for Longford-Westmeath, Robert Troy T.D., has welcomed the funding announcement, stressing that it highlights the government’s commitment to the future of the Mullingar hospital.
“I am delighted to have received confirmation today that €4.75m has been approved to expand outpatient services in Mullingar Hospital this year. With a total budget allocation of €6.5m for the project, this is a significant investment in the region to ensure that our towns and communities are properly served by our health service,” said Minister Troy on Tuesday.
“I would particularly like to acknowledge and thank the General Manager, Anita Brennan, the management board, and staff of Regional Hospital Mullingar in developing and putting forward their proposals, and to the dedication and service of all healthcare workers who serve our region. I was very glad Anita brought this to my attention, and I engaged with Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly.
“This is a very positive outcome for all in the midlands. This project will be a huge boost to the hospital facilities, enhancing the space and overall experience of patients and staff. The expansion of outpatient services is an important improvement to the midlands health service and will mean hospital staff will have the appropriate facilities to care and respond to the needs of those who need it most.
“I further welcome the news that the refurbishment project to provide a Covid isolation ward has been completed and is expected to be operational in two weeks. This is further good news for the hospital and midlands region, and will ensure that the appropriate care and facilities are there for those who need it.
“This is a really positive development and a clear demonstration of this Government’s commitment to the midlands,” he added.
MRI SERVICE TO BE INCLUDED
Topic learned at time of going to press on Tuesday that the long awaited MRI scanning service, for which the local voluntary committee has raised close to €1m will be part of the new services included and the local committee has warmly welcomed the approval of over €6.5m in funding for the Hospital.
John McGrath, to the forefront for years in advancing the MRI scanning project, said on Tuesday that they are now very hopeful that this funding includes what is necessary to see the opening of this valuable new service at Mullingar Hospital.
He feels it will be part of the new wing being built, off the x-ray and outpatient departments, and hopes to see the project going to tender “very soon”.
