The next phase of the development of Mullingar Hospital, phase 2B, was approved in July 2001. The design team has recently completed its work on the development control plan. Some minor amendments are being made to the plan and, following its acceptance by the Midland Health Board, it will be submitted to the Department of Health and Children for approval. The phase 2 development has been costed at approximately €57 million at 2001 prices, and is designed to increase the number of beds at the hospital from 198 to 311. The project is scheduled for completion in April 2008. There are no plans at present to alter the services provided by the Midland Regional Hospital at Mullingar. A group is being established to consider the role of acute hospital services outside the east coast area and the mid west region, taking account of the principles set out in the Hanly report. The Midland Regional Hospital at Mullingar will be examined in this context.