Survey findings on GP availability

It's easier for people in the Isle of Man to see their GP than it is for their counterparts in the United Kingdom.

That's one of the conclusions of a DHSS patient satisfaction survey which was recently carried out in the Island, findings from which have been compared to UK statistics.

Health Minister Eddie Teare (pictured) understands people sometimes have to wait for appointments for anything up to a week, but he believes the Manx figures are an accurate reflection of the situation here:

"This really is a look at people's experiences and what people tell us. I know there is anecdotal evidence going around that it takes for ever to get an appointment .... but it goes back to how urgent is it?"

"If you have an urgent problem then yes (you won't have to wait) but doctors, like everybody else, have to prioritise their time and their resources."