The HSE has confirmed that the Athlone MIDOC service will continue to operate.
In the wake of the announcement by MIDOC that it was ceasing cover from December 31 2022, the HSE has confirmed that it has since engaged a third party agency to provide cover until January 15, 2023, while it confirms an alternative provider.
This ongoing engagement will not effect the MIDOC service in Athlone which will continue to operate as normal.
A statement issued by the HSE has clarified that the MIDOC GP CLG covers Tullamore, Portlaoise, Longford and Mullingar, confirming that the Athlone GP Out Of HOURS (OHH ) is a separate entity and therefore not affected.
An initial statement issued by the HSE over the Christmas period stated that the HSE Midlands Louth Meath Community Healthcare had been engaging with the MIDOC GP Out of Hours Service for a numerous months pertaining to the financial difficulties facing the service.
“The HSE is disappointed that MIDOC has made the decision to cease trading for an indefinite period, effective midnight from December 31 2022 when we were looking for a sustainable model going forward,” the original statement, noted.
The full text of the HSE statement issued today reads as follows:
The most recent statement issued by the HSE confirms the continued operation of the Athlone MIDOC service which will come as a relief to the local community.
‘The MIDOC Out of Hours Service is a HSE run service from HSE premises - MIDOC GP CLG covers Tullamore, Portlaoise, Longford and Mullingar. Athlone GP Out Of Hours (OOH ) is a separate entity and is not affected. As outlined in our press statement December 23 2022, the HSE has engaged a third party agency (that has already been providing medical support to MIDOC GP CLG ) to provide appropriate cover for until January 15 2023 based on normal and scheduled GPOOH practice and rosters while the HSE confirms an alternative provider. This means that as of January 1 2023, patients call the same number and attend whichever of the existing treatment centres they are directed to attend, if required. 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.’
