DHSC urged to speed up GP response times

Think before calling Doctors' surgery, minister appeals

The Department of Health and Social Care is being urged to ensure people can access timely GP appointments and that calls to their surgery are answered.

The health minister has been quizzed over the matter in the House of Keys.

Lawrie Hooper says around 10% of patients have reported difficulty reaching a practice.

Meanwhile, one of the key pressures on GPs is caused by people not showing up for their appointments, he says:

Douglas North MHK David Ashford claimed a disabled person on the Island had to get on their scooter to reach their Doctors after there was no response from the surgery telephone.

'It puts pressure on the surgery and then they can't see the person who actual needs to see a GP.' - Minister Hooper.

Lawrie Hooper and David Ashford caught up with Manx Radio after the sitting: