Antenatal self referrals to free up hundreds of GP appointments

Most pregnant women will continue to receive midwife-led care

A self-referral system for pregnant women will free up hundreds of appointments to see a doctor, Manx Care has said.

The healthcare body said people could access antenatal care themselves rather than via their GP from 2 January.

The move is set to release 600 appointments with doctors and community midwives each year.

Manx Care said the change was part of its strategy to deliver "the right care in the right place at the right time".

Self-referrals would be processed by the midwifery team and appointment confirmations would be sent out as usual, with most people continuing to receive midwife-led care, a spokesman for the health care body.

Anyone considered as high-risk would be seen by a consultant, she added.

The system is set to be available through the Manx Care maternity website, which will go live on 2 January.

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