More than half of GPs work on a part-time basis

More than half the General Practitioners contracted by Manx Care to provide general medical services do so on a part-time basis.

The figures were provided to Manx Radio following a request to the health body. They show 15 are classed as full-time and 31 as part-time.

Full-time work for GPs in general practice is currently classed as eight sessions. Less than eight sessions is referred to as part-time.

Previously a standard session was four hours, but due to increasing demands the time spent per session has been steadily rising.

The NHS standard for full-time work is 37.5 hours - but due to increased time spent per session the BMA defines full-time as nine sessions.

General practices are businesses whose services are contracted to Manx Care to provide general medical services.

Most practices are run by a GP partnership who work together and pool resources such as other clinical staff.

GP partners are jointly responsible for meeting the requirements set out in the contract for their practice.

Manx Care says that with a significant proportion of GPs having childcare or other family responsibilities, many now choose to work part-time.

Additionally some GPs will have extra responsibilities outside of the practice - for example providing clinical expertise on Manx Care committees.

Also some GPs also work for MEDS on evenings and weekends, the time spent in this employment being recorded separately.