Statement by Minister Charlie Flanagan on Portlaoise Hospital

“I welcome clarification that enhanced maternity services are to continue at Portlaoise Hospital. I welcome the ongoing engagement with staff by Dublin-Midland Hospital Group CEO, Dr. Susan O’Reilly, in the aftermath of recent reports relating to the Hospital. My absolute priority is patient safety for people with medical needs in Laois and identifying how best this can be achieved.  I believe it is essential that as well as considering reports, Dr. O’Reilly listens carefully to the views of patients and staff and is alert to the healthcare needs of people in the Hospital’s catchment area. I welcome the fact that a period of consultation is underway.  I note that the HSE Director General stated some time ago that complex surgeries would be relocated to hospitals with higher volumes of such surgeries and that it is proposed that less complicated day-surgery volumes would increase in Portlaoise.”