The original facility was closed during the pandemic.
Plans for a new visitors' cafe at a midlands hospital are being considered by the HSE.
The previous facility at the Midlands Regional Hospital Portlaoise was closed during the pandemic, with the staff canteen extended to accommodate the space needed for social distancing.
A petition has been launched online to bring the visitors' cafe back on stream, which says the closure has been particularly challenging for those who spend long hours at the hospital supporting their loved ones.
The HSE says following recent refurbishment works at the front entrance, its now working to identify a site on campus to facilitate a new shop and cafe for patients, relatives and visitors.
If you wish to sign the petition, you can do so here.
In a statement to Midlands 103, the HSE says:
"During covid the Hospital had to extend the footprint of the staff canteen to provide for additional space and allowing for social distancing. At that time, the public shop was closed also due to Covid, so the space was utilised for this extension.
Recent refurbishment works on the front entrance has been completed and hospital management is working with HSE Estates to identify a potential location on the campus for a shop and café area for patients, relatives and visitors to the hospital."
Puska Brother Attacked In Prison
Enterprise Department Confirms Over 80 Westmeath Jobs At Risk
Offaly Teacher Pays Tribute To Colleagues After Winning STEM Award
Asthma Society of Ireland Hold Workshop In Laois This Weekend
Laois TD Calls For Shorter Ambulance Deployment Distance
Uisce Eireann Publish Shannon Pipeline Consultation Submissions Report
70% Of Farming Families Lack Succession Plan
Mental Health Charity Triple Counselling Sessions After Citywest Protests
Westmeath Library To Close For Three Months From Today
Drug Usage On The Rise In The Midlands
Shannon Callows Farmers Demand Inclusion In Flood Management Group
Offaly Teachers Win National STEM Award
Appeal Lodged Against 600 Acre Laois Solar Farm Project
Government Funding To Benefit Midlands Historical Structures
Former GAA Referee Pleads Guilty To Indecent Assault
Laois TD Warns EU Plans Threaten Irish Neutrality
Almost One Million Cigarettes Seized In Offaly
Management Can Easily End Industrial Action - SIPTU
Westmeath Credit Union Manager Wins Lifetime Achievement Award