MIDOC service to close indefinitely on New Year's Eve

THE MIDOC out of hours GP service is to cease on December 31. Financial challenges are being blamed for the closure of the vital service which covers Offaly, Westmeath, Laois and Longford and which has been in operation for 20 years.

Founded in 2002 by a group of local GP's, the loss of MIDOC, which in Tullamore is located in the old Tullamore hospital, will create a serious void in the provision of healthcare in the areas affected.

The already overcrowded Accident and Emergency unit at Tullamore hospital may be left to pick up the slack for those patients who need care. There is also a severe lack of GP's in the Tullamore area, with many people on a waiting list for doctors.

The Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council, Councillor Frank Moran said:

''After hearing the news this morning regarding the proposed closure of the MIDOC services in the midlands, I as Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council have requested an urgent meeting with the HSE to discuss the matter as this vital service is justifiably paramount to the midlands region and more importantly in mitigating overcrowding of our emergency departments.

Having spoken to Deputy Barry Cowen, Cllr Ken Smollen and Cllr Declan Harvey this morning we believe the very suggestion of the closure of this service is not just wrong in every sense but worrying to the many users previously and undoubtedly future users.

As we all know our A&E departments are already under severe pressure and to suggest the closure of the MIDOC services will undoubtedly place additional unnecessary pressure is again madness,'' continued Cllr Moran.

''I believe we need to get this suggestion reversed immediately and a request has been sent to the HSE to meet with our public representatives as a matter of urgency and I have also requested Deputy Barry Cowen to liaise with the Minister for Health to discuss the issue. All necessary measures require immediate action to keep this vital service operational.

I’ve just received a call from Deputy Cowen who has been in contact with the Minister and the following statement has been issued,'' said Cllr Moran.

“The MIDOC GP out of hours service provides an urgent GP service to patients in counties Offaly, Laois, Longford and Westmeath. HSE Midlands Louth Meath Community Healthcare have been engaging with MIDOC GP out of hours service 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 31 December 2022 when we are looking to provide a sustainable model going forward.

In the short-term and to mitigate risks, through a third party the HSE has put in place appropriate cover based on normal and scheduled GP out of hours service 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.”

Deputy Cowen has further committed to remain in contact with the Minister insisting that the commitments quoted are honoured.

Independent Councillor, Sean O' Brien, said "This is a vital service for the people of Offaly and the Midlands and I am calling on the Minister and the HSE to take urgent action to save this service" states Cllr O' Brien.

"We already have a serious problem with people getting enrolled in a GP practice in Offaly and people who want to apply for a Medical Card cannot get a GP to accept them in the practice as they are already overwhelmed with applicants.

If the MIDOC service ceases then local people will be faced with a serious lack of service especially during surgery out of office hours at night and at weekends." continued Cllr O' Brien.

"The MIDOC service has been operating for 20 years and has been widely used by the public when they could not get access to a GP surgery and it has provided the public with an opportunity to gain essential access to a GP in emergency situations.

The HSE have stated that they are looking at alternatives which they say they hope to have in place in the coming months. People need a service now. This situation, combined with the shortage of regular access to a GP, is going to cause a serious problem for the public and we need to have it addressed as a matter of urgency" concluded,  Cllr O' Brien.