Christmas arrangements for the MIDOC service

MIDOC, the out-of-hours emergency GP service for the midland region, has announced that it will cover the three public holidays between Christmas and New Year, in addition to its usual evening and weekend service.However, the HSE is asking potential patients to be extra mindful that the service is only for patients who require urgent GP medical care during the festive season."It is important for people to remember that MIDOC is not a drop-in service, and should only be used for cases that cannot wait for the next routine surgery. You can contact MIDOC at 1850 302 702," a HSE spokesperson said this week.MIDOC will provide its normal range of services as deemed medically appropriate, including free nurse advice. If you are unsure who to call, you can phone your GP's telephone number and they will have a message on the phone telling you the number to contact to access the doctor who is covering for them.MIDOC will offer full coverage in the region on the public holidays from 18:00 Monday December 24 until 08:00 on Thursday December 27 and from 18:00 on Monday December 31 until 08:00 on Wednesday January 2 2013.To assist MIDOC in providing the best quality service, the public can help the staff by having available the patient's name, current phone numbers, location, date of birth, medical card number, if applicable, and details of the patient's current medication list.If you think the patient is in immediate danger, say so as soon as your call is answered and then follow the instructions."Make sure that you get prescriptions filled so that you have enough medication over the holiday season, and have your medicine cabinet/first aid box stocked," the HSE spokesperson concluded.