Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Work commenced on the emergency department (ED) design in July 2013. The main contractor is on site since October 2014. The HSE is projecting that the construction works will be completed in January 2016 and that the new ED will be operational in Q1 2016. The upgrade of existing concourse area forms part of this project. In addition the following projects are included in the 2015 minor capital works for Midlands Regional Hospital Mullingar:

-Medical Records off site storage facility;

-Replacement of operating lights in 3 theatres;

-Provision of access control and automation to main entrance doors to theatre department;

-Fixtures and fittings for Willow Unit -women’s health unit;

-Relocation of the Radiology Department ultrasound room;

-Relocation of the Medical Air Plant / fit new compressor units to Endoscopy cabinets; and

-Upgrade works to CCTV System.

The HSE is concentrating on applying the funding available for infrastructure development in the most effective way possible to meet current and future needs. Any future investment at the Midland Regional Hospital Mullingar must be considered within the context of the establishment of hospital groups, within the overall acute hospital sector infrastructure programme, and also within the overall capital envelope available to the health service. Each hospital group will be required to develop a strategic plan to describe how it will provide more efficient and effective patient services and reorganise its services to provide optimal care to the populations it serves. Following the announcement in late September of the health capital envelope of €3,061 million for the multi-annual period 2016-2021, the HSE has undertaken preliminary work on the draft Capital Plan. This Plan, which requires my approval together with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.