Future of GP out of hours service in Offaly still unclear

THE future of the GP out of hours service better known as MIDOC in Offaly and Laois remains in doubt today following a statement from the HSE repeating what it said prior to the New Year, that it had engaged a third party agency to ''provide appropriate cover until January 15, 2023.''

However, on December 30, Barry Cowen TD appeared to suggest that some type of agreement had been reached for the service to continue as normal.

''I’m pleased that extensive discussions between the HSE, local GP's and IMO (Irish Medical Organisation) have ensured that the current out of hours GP service will continue as normal.

"However I am urging all parties to continue these discussions to ensure that we secure an out of hours GP service that works best for the public and medical practitioners,'' said Deputy Cowen.

Carol Nolan TD seemed to be of the same opinion and on social media said, ''Following discussions in recent days between HSE, GP's and IMO a decision has been reached that the MIDOC service will continue to operate in Offaly, Laois and the wider Midlands region as normal, however there are many questions that need answers in terms of how this vital service was even being considered by the HSE for closure in the first place and I will certainly be posing these questions.''

Today's statement (January 3) from the HSE said: ''As outlined in our press statement December 23, the HSE has engaged a third party agency (that has already been providing medical support to MIDOC GP CLG) to provide appropriate cover until 15 January 2023 based on normal and scheduled GP out of hours practice and rosters while the HSE confirms an alternative provider.

"This means that as of 01 January 2023, patients call the same number and attend whichever of the existing treatment centres they are directed to attend, if required. The HSE is working to ensure that the interim solution will be extended to facilitate discussions on a long term solution. The HSE will provide ongoing updates as we support the GPs and members of the public due to the untimely departure of MIDOC GP CLG.''