Primary Care providers told to stop certain services

GPs, dentists, and opticians warned overnight

Primary Care providers around the Island have been advised to stop offering certain services as cases of Covid-19 rise.

An email was sent to GPs, opticians, and dentists overnight detailing immediate changes.

GPs are asked to continue to provide appointments over the phone, while holding face-to-face for care/residential home patients who need to visit the surgery only.

Non-urgent procedures meanwhile, such as smear tests, have stopped.
 
Eye tests can no longer go ahead. 

Dentists have been told to offer emergency treatments only, and put a stop to regular check-up appointments and hygiene sessions.

Meanwhile, it's been suggested only one or two practices will remain open to service the Island's emergency patients.

Principal Dentist at Abbey Dental, Mark Hepworth, says the guidance needs to be clear, and properly thought out:

Manx Radio has contacted government for comment.