Mullingar hospital to get new €6.5m outpatients building

Midlands Regional Hospital Mullingar is to get a new €6.5m outpatients building.

The new two storey building will be directly adjacent to the main building on the hospital campus.

Speaking this afternoon, the hospital's general manager Anita Brennan said that it 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.”

In a statement issued this afternoon, the hospital said that the new building “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.

“Regional Hospital Mullingar 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.”

Welcoming the news, Minister of State Robert Troy said that the news about the new €6.5m investment in the hospital is “a clear demonstration of this government’s commitment to the midlands”.

“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.

“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,” he said.