'Financial challenges' force shock closure of Longford out of hours GP service

The vital out of hours Midlands GP service Midoc, which operates out of HSE premises at St Joseph's Care Centre, Longford, is shutting from January 1 according to the HSE which says it has put in place arrangements to maintain service until a new provider is in place.

The Midlands Louth Meath Community Healthcare Organisation issued a statement earlier today to our sister website Laois Live confirming the news.

Laois Offaly TD Charlie Flanagan said in a tweet that he was shocked and saddened to hear that the⁩ out of hours medical service MIDOC, which is a private company, is closing down from New Years Day.

He said he had asked Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly to intervene and ensure this vital medical service continues for Laois, Offaly, Longford & Westmeath.

Shocked & saddened to hear ⁦@HSELive⁩ out of hours medical service MIDOC is closing down from New Years Day. I’ve asked ⁦@DonnellyStephen⁩ to intervene & ensure this vital medical service continues for Laois, Offaly, Longford & Westmeath. pic.twitter.com/erWxcaxxgM

— Charlie Flanagan (@CharlieFlanagan) December 24, 2022

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

"The HSE is disappointed that MIDOC has made the decision to cease trading for an indefinite period, effective midnight  December 31, 2022 when we were looking to provide 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 we hope to have in place in the coming month.  The HSE will continue to communicate and engage with all relevant stakeholders to ensure they are fully appraised of and consulted on any future developments," concluded the statement.

The news that Midoc is closing certainly comes as a surprise as just four days ago The Midlands Louth Meath Community Healthcare Organisation issued a tweet saying MIDOC would be operational from December 30 to January 3.