Growing population and longer appointments means demand on GPs remains high

Manx Care about to commence virtual GP service

Manx Care says demand on GP services remains high and the number of patients not attending appointments continues to be an issue.

The healthcare provider as published data from the service as part of its board papers for next week's sitting.

Last year, general practitioners on the Island saw on average more than 32,000 patients each month.

Manx Care says patients at some surgeries are facing longer waits for appointments than others - Ballasalla, Peel and Snaefell have the shortest waits at five days or less, but those registered with Laxey may have to wait more than 20 days to see their doctor.

The board papers cite the growth of the Island's population increasing the size of doctors' lists among the reasons for the high demand.

The service has 6,400 consulting hours each month, which is up 28% over the last 10 years, but the average length of an appointment has increased by 40% over the same time.

However, staffing isn't proving too challenging for the Island's practices at the moment, with Manx Care reporting few vacancies across the surgeries.

It also confirmed it's about to commence a pilot for a virtual GP service, and is continuing to hold talks with GPs who may be interested in relocating to the Island.