People can have their say on the future of health care in the Isle of Man in online focus groups.

The move comes soon before a new body, Manx Care, takes day-to-day charge of health services.

The initiative follows a survey when the public were invited to respond to the question, ’How can GP practices, dental services, pharmacies and opticians best support you to be happy and well?’

Two focus groups will be held on the Microsoft Teams platform, the first on February 23 from 1pm to 2.30pm, the other on February 25 from 7pm to 8.30pm.

Those who completed the survey and left contact details have been invited to join the session, which is also open to members of the public.

Anyone who wishes to take part should contact the health and care transformation team at [email protected] or call 693589 to book a place at one of the sessions.

A link will be sent to participants enabling them to join the group with a couple of clicks.

The organisers use jargon to describe the survey.

They say the focus groups are a ’deep dive’ into the island’s primary care system, as a number of ’new health and care pathways’ are considered.

The findings will help the transformation project team, Manx Care - which takes over from April 1 in a radical shake-up of services -and the Department of Health and Care will work together to develop what they describe as a ’sustainable future model of care, where flexible and responsive services are delivered collaboratively at the right time, in the right place’.

Health and Social Care Minister David Ashford said: ’Primary care services impact us all, and so it is important that the views and experiences of service users are taken into account when we develop new models of care.

’The online events will give everyone a chance to join in from their own homes - with no need to think about the weather, transport or parking.

’Focus groups are traditionally held face to face but there is no reason a live, online version shouldn’t work well - and it will be interesting to see if more people come forward with their views when they can do so online.

’I’d urge everyone interested in the future shape of frontline healthcare services to join the conversation and have their say.’