The hospital is welcoming the addition of a new sensory room and the "Blueball Room."
Two new family rooms have been opened at a midlands hospital.
The Emergency Department at the Midlands Regional Hospital Tullamore is set to benefit from a new sensory room, while the "Blueball Room" is now open on the Clonmacnoise Ward.
The first of those aims to reduce environmental triggers, and was needed as a result of the of the growing number of children and adults being diagnosed with sensory needs.
Breda Murray, Chairperson, Laois Offaly Families For Autism says:
"The sensory room will help many people with an autism diagnosis, sensory needs or an intellectual disability and their families when they have to go to hospital in an emergency.
It can be an anxious time for such children when they go to hospital, and this room will help promote emotional regulation and address sensory needs thus reducing anxiety so they can access treatment in a way that is not frightening for them.
Simple changes make a big difference."
The Blueball Room will mostly be used for meeting with patients and families, but can also be a resting space, which can accommodate up to eight people.
Friends of the Hospital Committee says:
"We are pleased to be associated with this project by committing funds for the provision of a dedicated room in the hospital to be used as a family room and also for the purpose of having a quiet and dignified space to discuss patient care with patients and their families.
The name Bluebell Room was chosen as it symbolises spirituality, healing and everlasting love.
The Friends of the Hospital worked closely with Ms Zara Dagg in agreeing the requirements to ensure that the room could be converted to a warm and welcoming space, with soft furnishings, tea and coffee facilities and also to ensure that there was no clinical feel to the room."
Gardaí Release Men Held Over Offaly Fire Bombing
Man Dies In Laois Collision
€114m Westmeath Wastewater Upgrade Complete
Mary O’Rourke Praised As “Hard Working” At Bridge Naming Ceremony
No Mini Budget Planned Despite Pressure Over Fuel And Energy Prices
Africa Day Celebrations Kick Off Across The Midlands
Tánaiste Hails ‘Proof’ Of Help to Buy Scheme Success Across The Midlands
Westmeath Woman Recounts Israeli Interception
Man Charged In Connection With Fatal Offaly House Fire
Mercosur Trade Deal Kicks Into Action Ahead Of European Court Ruling
Westmeath Woman "Deeply Ashamed" Of Spitting Incident
Taoiseach Pays Tribute To Mary O'Rourke At Bridge Dedication
Midlands Walking Club Celebrates 30th Anniversary This Weekend
OPW Minister Wants "Grown Ups" To Resolve Children's Science Museum Fallout
Offaly TD Criticises VAT Disparity For Beauty And Nail Salons
Laois Council Launches Clinics For Vacant Home Grants
Former Children's TV Presenter Revisits Midlands Towns On Nostalgic Journey
€7m Shannon Callows Flood Plans Facing Key Hurdles
Appeal Lodged Against New Lidl Development In Laois
Housing Completions Jump Sharply In Laois In Early 2026