Conflicting statements on MIDOC service add to uncertainty
Uncertainty continues to surround the future of the GP out of hours service in Offaly this week amid conflicting statements from the HSE and local politicians.
The latest statement issued by the HSE makes it clear that they are continuing to engage with a third party agency to ensure that “appropriate cover” remains in place to continue the service, known as MIDOC, until January 15 next.
The statement, issued earlier today (Tuesday), describes the plans which have been put in place as “an interim solution” and reiterates that the HSE is working to ensure that the interim solution “will be extended to facilitate discussions on a long-term solution.”
However, both local Fianna Fail TD, Barry Cowen, and Independent TD, Carol Nolan, issued statements in recent days which seemed to suggest that agreement had been reached between all parties to allow the MIDOC service to continue as normal.
Deputy Cowen issued a statement on December 30 which stated that “extensive discussions” between the HSE, local GP’s and the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) “have ensured that the current out of hours GP service will continue as normal.”
The Fianna Fail deputy urged “all parties” to continue the discussions to ensure that an out of hours GP service that works best for the public and the medical practitioners is secured.
Local Independent TD, Carol Nolan, issued a similar statement on her social media, stating that a decision had been reached that the MIDOC service “will continue to operate in Offaly, Laois and the wider Midlands region” following “discussions in recent days between the HSE, GP’s and the IMO.
The conflicting statements are the latest to emerge following the shock announcement just before Christmas that the existing MIDOC service in Laois, Offaly, Longford and Westmeath would cease to operate from December 31.
The HSE subsequently clarified that the Athlone MIDOC service was “a separate entity” and would not be affected by the decision to close the service across the Midlands region.
In a letter sent to its members, MIDOC GP CLG says that it and its "previous incarnations have struggled financially for many years due to insufficient funding" and that "for reasons unknown" the HSE reduced its funding in 2022.
"Given that only 10 per cent of MIDOC’s funding requirement is delivered from non-HSE sources and to avoid trading in an insolvent or reckless manner, the board of directors of MIDOC GP CLG have made the unanimous decision to cease trading effective from 31 December 2022" the letter stated.
MIDOC GP CLG also stated that it remains available to meet the HSE "should they wish to discuss the implementation of an alternative, financially sustainable out of hours model".
Meanwhile, the HSE has urged all those wishing to use the GP out of hours service from January 1 to "call the same number and attend whichever of the existing treatment centres they are directed to attend, if required."
They reiterate that they are working to ensure that the interim solution put in place until January 15 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'" the statement ends.