I was very pleased to hear the Taoiseach say this week that the new 50-bed unit for Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe, should happen as soon as possible. It is a very positive sign.
The Taoiseach acknowledged in the Dáil that Portiuncula is performing well but its facilities are not fit for purpose.
He said he was very keen to see construction of the new unit starting as soon as possible.
The unit is very much needed to enable more elective surgeries and will help take pressure off University Hospital Galway.
Hospital services across the whole region will benefit.
The extension to Portiuncula is part of the Government’s National Development Plan.