Longford man acknowledges importance of MIDOC

A simple incident brought into focus the importance of local out of hours medical services for Seamus O Laoi. A resident of Foynes Court in Longford town Seamus was engaging in the normal tasks of day to day living when he sustained an injury in a domestic accident.

“Last Friday evening I had reason to ring MIDOC here in Longford. It was the wettest day of the week and I was doing a few things about the house. I accidentally cut my hand in a domestic accident,” he told the Leader.

Such incidents happen daily in homes across the county. Day in day out, week in week out people hurt themselves in the home. For Seamus the injury was a little more concerning.

“As I am a cardiac patient and on blood thinners, the bleeding was my biggest concern,” he said.

Seamus explained: “I ended up having to get six stitches in my knuckle. It was very painful, but from the moment I rang, the staff were reassuring and helpful. They gave me an appointment for 7.30pm. “I was in and out of the surgery within one hour, by 8.30pm. If I had to go to Mullingar General Hospital for treatment it would not have been so quick.”

Seamus was treated by Dr Johannes Vorster, and said the level of care was exemplary: “I want to thank all the staff, from reception to nurse to Doctor, so very efficient and caring.

“It was an event I had not experienced before, and to have it on your doorstep. I would strongly commend it. Well done to all and thank you.”

He spoke of his need to highlight his experience: “In recent times people have spoken about the MIDOC service being under threat. This was the first time I have had to use it, but it brought home to me just how important it is.

“I just felt I couldn't let it pass without acknowledging how important the service is. The care I got was second to none.”