GPs in the midlands are being urged to agree on a new Midoc provider within the coming weeks.
The out-of-hours service ceased on New Year's Eve and is being operated in the interim by the HSE.
While the HSE will continue to run the service until an alternative provider is found, local GPs are being reminded they are contractually obliged to make a decision on who will run Midoc.
In response to Michael Carrigy in the Seanad today, Deputy Thomas Bryne stated there's continuous engagement between the HSE, Irish Medical Organisation and GPs.
He says the current arrangements will be in place for at least the next 10 weeks.
'The HSE has ensured and will continue to ensure the provision of out of hours service until such time as an alternative provider is in place. It is important to note though that the provision of out of hours service is a contractual obligation under the general medical scheme contract. Therefore the decision on who provides the service rests with the GPs themselves. The HSE would support and facilitate the process . The current interim arrangement will continue until at least the second of July allowing the necessary time for GPs to agree on a preferred out of hours provider and to implement the service.'
