Hospital where babies died was ‘abandoned’

A senior nurse at the midlands hospital where a number of babies died in controversial circumstances has claimed the hospital was "essentially abandoned" years ago.

He also said people were coming into Portlaoise hospital asking if it was “safe” and if their loved ones would be cared for.

Joe Hoolan, a clinical nurse manager at the Midlands Regional Hospital in Portlaoise, said key personnel in the health service had paid regular visits over the years and were well aware of the problems there, but nothing had been done.