HSE called on to provide clarity on new Longford out of hours GP service

It comes after it was confirmed over the weekend that Carlow headquartered Caredoc had secured the contract to take over the running of the formerly known Midoc service in Longford town.

That announcement brought an end to a near eight month impasse as HSE chiefs sought out a new provider for the service after the service operated under a new name following Midoc's winding down on January 1.

Fianna Fáil Longford-Westmeath TD Joe Flaherty said while the announcement ended continued uncertainty over the service, questions still remained.

“The three existing locum GPs providing the ‘red eye’ / night cover were contracted in by a recruitment company called Medoc,” he said.

“That contract ceases from 6pm on Monday and the GP cover will then be provided by Caredoc.

“I appreciate the matter is fluid with agreement only finally reached in the last 48 hours but the public must be assured of continuity of GP cover and that we will not see a constant switching of GPs.”

Fine Gael Senator Micheal Carrigy said news on the announcement was more than timely, adding members of the public had long waited for certainty to be provided.

“I welcome that an agreement had been reached and the clarity that has been given for the service going forward,” he said.

The former Longford County Council cathaoirleach said despite the news, there was still a need for greater investment to be provided in the broader area of GP provision.

“I know there have been additional courses provided in our colleges but with the increases in population particularly in Longford, we do need increased GP services to ensure every household and every citizen has full access to GP care.”