Number of island GPs at lowest for 20 years

Data shows the equivalent of 33.2 GPs were practicing on the island in 2024

The number of GPs on the Isle of Man has fallen to its lowest level in 20 years, new data has revealed.

The 2024 Isle of Man in Numbers report, issued by Statistics Isle of Man, showed there were 33.2 full-time equivalent doctors, each with an average of 2,689 patients.

Government data shows there were 44 GPs in 2004 who were on average responsible for 1,834 patients. In 2011 there were 47 GPs, each with a typical patient list of 1,851.

Speaking at last month's government conference, Manx Care chief executive Teresa Cope said the average wait time of eight days to see a doctor was a "cause for concern" for patients and she was "committed to reducing" it.

The latest figures indicated a total of 89,262 patients on the lists, compared to a population estimate of 84,523, indicating not all of those listed were currently resident on the island.

'Extra capacity'

During a conference speech focussing on the aligning of the island's healthcare needs with costs and capacity, Ms Cope said about a third of patients were able to access GP appointments on the same day as requested.

She said Manx Care was "committed to putting more capacity into primary care to make sure timely appointments can happen" and so that capacity was "used effectively".

The Ms Cope highlighted a shift towards delivering "more appointments out in the community" through practitioners in mental health services and physiotherapy.

She also outlined results from a virtual GP service being trialled at Ramsey Group Practice, which has been providing 400 appointments each month.

Ms Cope explained that 95% of the slots were being used, and with 92% of people accessing that service having their condition managed through the scheme, which was "a really important development".

While it would "never be a replacement for face-to-face consultations" the impact would be evaluated by Manx Care as a way of looking "innovatively at delivering extra capacity", she added.

As part of moves to improve access to primary care services, the island's healthcare provider has already allocated £700,000 to slash dental waiting lists by more than 93% by "stretching" from six-monthly check-ups to up to two years for some patients announced in August.