Longford 'Midoc service will continue as normal under a new name from January 1'
Longford's MIDOC service will continue as normal under a new name from January 1, according to local Fianna Fáil Deputy Joe Flaherty.
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 on Christmas Eve confirming the news that MIDOC, which is a private company, is closing down from New Years Day.
Having initially expressed shock at news of the closure, Longford / Westmeath TD Joe Flaherty moved to assure constituents that ‘the MIDOC service will continue as normal under a new name from January 1’.
“I’ve have been in contact with Health Minister Stephen Donnelly and have received assurances that this vital medical service for the Midlands will continue as normal,” Deputy Flaherty posted on social media.
According to Senator Micheál Carrigy, “the HSE has employed a 3rd party agency which worked for MIDOC Clg to provide cover for both bridge shifts and the red eye service until January 15 when the HSE plans to have an alternative service provider.”
Health advocate, Cllr Peggy Nolan said, “Our health services are staffed by many wonderful and committed people but the services are in crisis. Yet these further pending and unpublicised cuts will put unworkable pressure on the already dangerously overcrowded emergency services at our hospitals. I promise to take this madness up with the appropriate and accountable people as a matter of urgency.”
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.”