New Tullamore hospital an example for rest of the country

The new Midland Regional Hospital in Tullamore was a 'huge success and it"s well worth a visit to see what a modern structure looks like,' according to the head of the HSE. 'This is the structure we would like to see across the country,' said Prof Brendan Drumm, speaking at the HSE Dublin Mid-Leinster Regional Health Forum in Tullamore on Tuesday. He said that the HSE was in the process of creating one of the 'best and most open systems in the world' and that the Irish health system was now on the 21st century train track. He also praised the new wing of Riada House as a modern facility. Cllr Tommy McKeigue complemented the work by John Bulfin the HSE Hospital Network Manager in getting Tullamore Hospital up and running. The final move from the old to the new took place in Tullamore this week. Critical services including the emergency department, surgical ward, ICU ward, theatre and HSSD Department and Radiology Department were the last to be relocated to the new hospital. The other services moved this week included the children"s ward, orthopaedics A&B, day hospital, admission, telephony and reception. 'The new hospital offers state of the art facilities, it is designed and built to the highest quality and includes the most up to date equipment,' said Peter Waters, Hospital Manager. 'I would like to commend the staff for all their work, commitment and patience throughout this process. This is a very positive time for the hospital, the staff and the entire community, it is great to see it come to fruition.' All access to the Midland Regional Hospital at Tullamore is now through the new hospital. No further access will be permitted to the old hospital.