New maternity outpatient facility opens at Portiuncula hospital

A new maternity outpatient facility opened recently at Portiuncula University Hospital in Ballinasloe.

A spokesperson for the HSE said the facility represented "a major investment in maternal healthcare infrastructure for woman and families across the region".

The spokesperson added that the newly refurbished and developed outpatient facility on the hospital grounds, which opened on January 12, "provides a warm, welcoming space for women attending maternity outpatient services."

Maternity services at the hospital have been in the spotlight since last summer when, on foot of five external reviews into the care provided to women and their babies, a decision was taken to transfer the care of high-risk pregnancies elsewhere.

The HSE said the new outpatient facility "supports both consultant-led and midwife-led clinics, improving access, comfort and continuity of care throughout the pregnancy journey".

It includes nine modern clinical rooms, as well as a dedicated phlebotomy service designed to help make clinic visits more efficient and convenient for women.

Dedicated car parking has also been made available directly outside the facility, in order to provide easier access for women attending appointments.

James Keane, hospital manager, commented: "This new maternity outpatient facility is a very welcome development for women attending the hospital.

"By providing a dedicated space for maternity outpatient care, we are improving both the quality and efficiency of services while ensuring a more comfortable and accessible experience for women and families."

Eileen Kelly, general manager of maternity services at Portiuncula, said: "We are delighted to open this new maternity outpatient facility, providing women and their families with a comfortable, welcoming environment for their appointments.

"This development ensures care is more accessible, personalised, and supportive, reflecting our commitment to the needs of the women we serve."

Deirdre Naughton, Director of Midwifery, Portiuncula University Hospital said: "The new facility enables the delivery of quality, woman-centred care in a setting that supports privacy, comfort, and continuity.

"The additional clinical rooms and dedicated midwife-led spaces strengthen our ability to provide timely, responsive care while enhancing the overall experience for women attending our maternity services."

Dr Naveed Khawaja, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist and associate clinical director for women's and children's directorate at Portiuncula also welcomed the facility, saying: "This new clinical space allows our midwives and consultants to deliver care in an environment that is focused entirely on the needs of women.

"The additional clinical capacity and dedicated phlebotomy service will significantly enhance the outpatient experience while supporting best practice maternity care."

Speaking about her experience at the new facility, Claire Fallon, from Ballinasloe, said: "The new outpatient facility has been such a welcome change for me as a maternity patient at Portiuncula University Hospital.

"It feels much calmer and more relaxed when arriving for regular appointments, and having parking right outside the door makes everything so much easier and less stressful."

The HSE said the maternity outpatient facility "highlights Portiuncula University Hospital’s commitment to continuous improvement and to providing modern, patient-centred maternity services for the communities it serves".