This week, Offaly County Council unanimously supported new hospice care for Offaly, clearly demonstrating an appetite for further healthcare provision in the county and in the region. Meanwhile, we need the same ambition now in elective surgery. We see people sitting in congestion on trains and in cars, while too many are also on waiting lists. We really need ambition now to ensure we increase that capacity. Midlands Regional Hospital Portlaoise has a proven track record in emergency care, but it is at the expense of elective surgery. We really need to see this delivered. I ask the Tánaiste to make sure the Government prioritises additional capacity for elective surgery in the midlands. It should bring the care to the midlands rather than patients going all over the country for it.

Sentiment score: 0.29