Patients registered with a number of GP practices across the Isle of Man will soon be able to access appointments remotely by telephone.

The new service is being introduced following a successful pilot at Ramsey Group Practice and will initially be rolled out at participating practices in the east and west of the island.

The service began at the first participating practices on Tuesday, August 25, with further surgeries joining over the coming weeks.

It will provide telephone consultations with qualified GPs for patients whose health concerns are considered suitable to be dealt with remotely.

Patients will continue to contact their GP practice in the usual way and their needs will then be assessed through the existing triage process, with healthcare professionals deciding which type of appointment is most appropriate.

A spokesperson for Manx Care said: ‘For many patients, particularly those who do not require a physical examination, a telephone consultation can provide quicker access to medical advice, medication reviews and ongoing support, without the need to attend the practice in person.

‘Patients are encouraged to provide as much information as possible about their symptoms or concerns when they contact their practice. This helps healthcare professionals assess what type of appointment is most suitable for their needs.’

The service is already operating at Ramsey Group Practice, with Peel Group Practice set to introduce it on August 28, followed by Kensington Group Practice on September 4, Snaefell Surgery on September 9, Finch Hill Medical Centre on September 11 and Palatine Group Practice on September 15.

If a telephone consultation is considered appropriate, patients will be contacted at an agreed appointment time.

Where a physical examination or face-to-face assessment is required, an in-person appointment will instead be arranged through the patient’s GP practice.

Patients can also request a face-to-face appointment, although waiting times will vary depending on clinical need and availability.