The out of hours GP service in Laois is to continue to operate as normal – Laois TD Sean Fleming has confirmed.
There has been outrage and upset across Laois in the last week when it was revealed that the service was to close in the new year.
MIDOC currently operates from the St Fintan’s Hospital campus in Portlaoise.
The GP service has been operational for the past 20 years and served an estimated population of 300,000 people in the four counties.
Established in 2002, MIDOC was formed by a group of GPs and provided attention for patients with urgent medical needs and whose family doctor is part of the MIDOC Co-Op.
It operates from 6pm to 8am Monday to Friday and 24-hours on Saturday, Sundays, and weekends.
Deputy Sean Fleming says the service is secure – but that urgent discussions are now required to keep it so.
He said: “I am pleased that extensive discussions between the HSE, Local G.P’s and Irish Medical Organisation have ensured that the current out of hours G.P. service will continue as normal.
“However, I am urging all parties to continue their discussions to ensure that we secure an out of hours G.P. service that works best for the public and medical practitioners.
“In summary, any threat to the service for Laois and the Midlands has been averted, but work on the provision of future services is ongoing.”
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