HSE confirms Midoc will remain until long-term solution is found
The interim solution to the provision of MIDOC GP out of hours services to a large part of the midlands, including Offaly, will continue until a long-term solution is provided, the HSE has guaranteed.
The HSE had previously said it had engaged a third-party agency to provide appropriate cover until January 15, following the decision of the MIDOC GP CLG which covers Tullamore, Portlaoise, Longford and Mullingar to cease trading on December 31.
It, at that stage, said it was working to ensure that this interim solution would be extended in order to “facilitate discussions on a long-term solution.”
In a new statement to the Offaly Independent this week, the HSE confirmed that the current interim solution will "continue until an alternative provider is in place”.
It stressed the provision of MIDOC GP out of hours services for the Midlands was continuing. Patients who require urgent GP care can call the same number 1800 302702 and if required will be directed to one of the existing HSE owned treatment centres https://www2.hse.ie/services/find-a-gp-out-of-hours/.
It said HSE Midlands Louth Meath CHO is currently in the process of seeking an alternative provider with a view to having that provider in place shortly.
It is envisaged that a tender process will commence in the coming months to support the local GPs in finding a permanent provider.
“In the meantime, HSE Midlands Louth Meath CHO is managing the previous role of MIDOC GP CLG and that interim solution will continue until an alternative provider is in place.”
The HSE continued to remind patients should they must make an appointment.
“There is no drop-in facility. The service should only be used for urgent cases that cannot wait for the next routine surgery appointment. If a patient’s medical issue is not urgent, that patient should make an appointment to see your GP during normal clinic hours,” it said.
Where symptoms are mild, patients should access the HSE www.undertheweather.ie website for helpful self-care advice and attend their pharmacy for over the counter medication as appropriate.