A report just published by health watchdog HIQA report has found that the HSE failed to act on previously raised concerns about safety risks at Midland Regional Hospital, Portlaoise.
HIQA carried out a review after serious questions were raised when five newborn babies died at the hospital.
According to the report, the hospital was not safely resourced to provide 24-hour surgery and critical care.
The report also highlights that there were instances of inaction and indecision over issues at the hospital, “major deficiencies” in how the hospital was run, and a “poorly governed” emergency department.