Minister for Health, Leo Varadkar, has again spoken out amid concerns relating to patient care in the Midlands Hospital in Portlaoise.

Commenting on the delay with which senior HSE officials acted in response to patient risk, Mr, Varadkar assured the public an independent investigation would be carried out, but due to a number of factors, a three month wait would be inevitable.

The report, which is due to be conducted by an external consultant, will asses they way in which safety alerts were raised and dealt with in the Midlands hospital.

As the terms of reference have yet to be clarified, the minister has confirmed that the examination will require a three month period before the independent official can complete and report on findings.

Mr. Varadkar has expressed deep regret for the way in which families were treated during their time with the hospital and has asserted that he intends to have a new patient advocacy organisation, which will work alongside patients and families seeking answers from the medical community, established by May of next year.

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