Health Minister urged to approve second 50 bed block at Portiuncula Hospital

The Health Minister is being urged to approve another 50-bed ward block at Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe. 

It's as a new 50-bed block is currently under construction. 

But Deputy Denis Naughten says these are only replacement beds, and more capacity is urgently needed to relieve pressure on the hospital. . 

He says the HSE has issued a tender for 1,500 new hospital beds at 15 sites nationwide - and Portiuncula must be included. 

Deputy Naughten has been speaking to David Nevin.