HSE hopes to discuss NEDOC cuts

The announcement was made last week.

The HSE says it has offered to meet with NEDOC to discuss issues running the service.

The board of the out-of-hours GP service issued a statement late last week saying it had taken the decision to reduce night-time services due to a lack of funding and shortage of available doctors.

NEDOC says from 10.30pm on weekdays and 10pm at weekends, only telephone consultations with a GP will be available. No home visits or in person appointments will be carried out.

READ MORE: Cuts to NEDOC service due to funding issues

In a statement, the organisation says “acute doctor shortages and underfunding of the service by the HSE” are to blame for the changes.

“The HSE has been notified of issues facing NEDOC for overnight sessions for some years and while some financial supports were forthcoming they were insufficient to cover the costs incurred in sourcing doctors to work these overnight shifts”, the statement reads.

Responding to a request for comment on the claims made by NEDOC, the HSE said it has offered to meet the organisation:

“HSE Midlands Louth Meath CHO last week offered to meet with the Chairman of NEDOC and we hope that this offer will be taken up as soon as possible.”