The controversy over the out-of -hours GP service for the midlands caused widespread public concern over the Christmas period

Longford-Westmeath Deputy, Joe Flaherty, says that he has received assurances that the Longford service will continue to operate and a review is in progress to appoint a new provider.

Councillor Peggy Nolan says that while people are able to access the service locally she is concerned that this is only due to the goodwill of local doctors.

The HSE said they are in the process of seeking an alternative provider.

This information is according to a HSE statement

In addition the HSE is in the process of seeking an alternative provider which we hope to have in place in the coming month

The MIDOC Out of Hours GP service is for patients who need urgent medical attention that cannot wait to be seen by their usual GP

All elective inpatient and day case procedures are being cancelled in Roscommon, Galway and Sligo hospitals