Longford TD Joe Flaherty says he believes an announcement is imminent with regard to a service provider to take on the running of the midland region Out-of-Hours GP service.
The previous service provider withdrew from its role at the end of December last year leading to serious concerns about the availability of out of hours medical care for people in the local area.
The service is manned by local GP's across Longford, Westmeath, Laois and Offaly who are contracted to work a number of hours each week.
It has been supported by the HSE over the past number of months while an alternative service provider was sought, and Deputy Joe Flaherty says he understands a company has now been found who will be able to run it in the future.
'I know the HSE are close to finalising a contract with probably the foremost provider in the country. My understanding is that it is close to finalisation and an announcement is imminent. GP's want this as much as the general public want it and that's why we need to ensure that we have the best possible service provider. I am confident that the HSE have identified that service provider and I am equally confident that we are close to an announcement.'
