Varadkar orders HSE to improve conditions in Portlaoise Hospital

The HSE is being asked to come up with an action plan to improve conditions at the Midlands Regional Hospital in Portlaoise.

The plan's been ordered by the Minister for Health after the release of last week's HIQA report into conditions there.

The report outlined major problems at the hospital's maternity unit, and slammed the HSE as being disorganised on an precedented scale.

Speaking in the Dáil tonight, Leo Varadkar says he expects changes within 12 months - but some have been made already: "I expect the HSE to implement an action plan to address the findings of the report without delay and certainly by the end of the year.

"Improvements have been made and will continue to be made at the hospital. New management and governing structures, both clinical and operational, are in place now."