The refurbished emergency department and special care baby unit at Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe will be officially re-opened tomorrow (Friday ) at 12 noon by the Minister for Health and Children, Mary Harney.
The hospital which has been plagued in recent months with threats of downgrading and industrial action is now sending out a positive message to the people of Ballinasloe, according to Galway county councillor Paul Connaughton.
He says: “This is a welcome development for Ballinasloe, and is a key part of the areas infrastructure. The redevelopment of these units is sending out a positive message to the people of Ballinasloe, especially with talk of downgrading the hospital, and moving services to Galway.”
Cllr Connaughton says the announcement is comforting to the people of Ballinasloe, and shows the hospitals importance and commitment to the town and neighbouring areas.
“Portiuncula has always had a great reputation as a great maternity unit, and the refurbishment of the special baby care unit will complement that,” added councillor Connaughton.
It has not been confirmed by the HSE whether additional staff will be required, however Cllr Connaughton stressed that should additional staffing be required he hoped industrial relations will not hamper any more progress at the hospital.
