Taoiseach Simon Harris has officially opened the new 50 bed ward block at Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe 

The project is providing replacement beds rather than extra beds, but in far more modern facilities, including single-bed private rooms.

The Taoiseach met with hospital staff, local councillors and elected members, most of whom have been involved in this project since it broke ground in 2019

He says this new block will be transformational for the hospital