The deadline for sharing your views about a shake-up of the health service is looming.

The government is asking the public for their views on how general practice services, dental services, pharmacies and opticians can ’best support’ them with their health and wellbeing.

The survey results will help shape the future of health and care services, specifically primary care, as these services are where the public go when they first need help.

The survey takes about five minutes to complete.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said: ’This is a huge opportunity to help shape how these key services are delivered on the Isle of Man. The survey is asking the public what they would like to be able to access, when they would like it and how they would like a service delivered.’

The survey is available until Friday, January 29, on the government’s website at https://consult.gov.im/cabinet-office/your-thoughts-on-health-services/

As pat of changes for the health service, workshops and discussion forums with staff and service users will be held over the coming months for those that have indicated they are willing to be involved.

For further information, or to receive a paper copy survey questionnaire, contact Pam Crye, Project Manager, at [email protected] or telephone the P693859. A new body - Manx Care - will be responsible for the delivery of all health and care services on the island, including that which is currently contracted or delivered by the Department of Health and Social Care.

Manx Care, which will start operating in April, will operate at arms-length from the Department of Health and Social Care, which will remain responsible for setting policy and strategy.

The creation of a new, stand-alone organisation focused on the delivery of sustainable services was a key recommendation of Sir Jonathan Michael’s review of health and care services.