In order to provide the best possible level of patient care it is important to concentrate renal facilities in an appropriate location. In the Midland Health Board area, it is proposed to base renal dialysis services in Tullamore General Hospital. The service has been included in the plans for the development of Tullamore General Hospital and will serve the needs of the region in as efficient and effective a manner as possible.
The project team for the development of phase 2B of Longford-Westmeath General Hospital, Mullingar, has commenced its deliberations and is working on the preparation of an updated brief for the whole hospital. In view of the nature of the services involved, the Midland Health Board has no plans to develop a renal dialysis facility on this site. It has concluded that it would not be practicable to provide a unit on a temporary basis at Longford-Westmeath General Hospital. However, the board will continue to ensure that the renal dialysis needs of the population in its area are properly met pending the provision of the unit in Tullamore.
