HSE Seeking Alternative Provider To Replace MIDOC

Tuesday, 27 December 2022 19:28

The Health Service says its disappointed that MIDOC made the decision to cease trading.

The HSE says it is disappointed that MIDOC has made the decision to cease trading for an indefinite period.

It will withdraw its services from midnight on December 31st 2022.

MIDOC GP Out of Hours Service provides an urgent GP service to patients in counties Laois, Offaly, Longford and Westmeath.

The HSE Midlands Louth Meath Community Healthcare has been engaging with MIDOC GPOOH for a number of months to help address the financial challenges it faced, and were looking to provide a sustainable model going forward.

In the short-term and to mitigate the risks, through a third party the HSE has put in place appropriate cover based on normal and scheduled GPOOH practice and rosters and to ensure that the necessary supports are in place to deliver the best care to our service users, while ensuring that patient safety and quality of service are at the forefront of service delivery.

In addition the HSE is in the process of seeking an alternative provider which they hope to have in place in the coming month.

The HSE says it will continue to communicate and engage with all relevant stakeholders to ensure they are fully appraised of and consulted on any future developments.

Longford Westmeath Fianna Fail Deputy Joe Flaherty says he has been in contact with Health ⁦Minister Stephen Donnelly and he has received assurances that this vital medical service for the Midlands will continue as normal.

Laois Offaly Fine Gael TD Charlie Flanagan says he was shocked & saddened to hear MIDOC is closing down from New Years Day.

Meanwhile, Super Junior Minister Pippa Hackett said "I imagine most families in the Midlands, like ours, have had a reason to use the Midoc 'Out of Hours' doctor service: And were as concerned as I was at news it is to close. Out of Hours GP services are essential. I welcome the HSE's assurance that appropriate cover is in place to deliver the best care following the closure of Midoc, with no break in service. It is essential that patient safety and quality of service are at the forefront of both the interim and longer term solutions and I will continue to engage with the Midlands HSE and the Department of Health on this."