Palatine Group Practice has launched a new patient appointment system designed to improve access to care and reduce pressure on services.
Under the system, introduced in January, all medical concerns are first reviewed by a clinician. This ensures patients receive the most appropriate response, whether an appointment, advice, or a referral.
Patients are asked to submit non‑urgent medical or administrative queries via an online form, available weekdays from 8am to 4pm.
To manage demand during the trial, medical requests are capped at 100 per day.
Urgent medical problems between 4pm and 6pm should be telephoned in.
The practice notes that its online form includes a link to NHS 111, but stresses: “This service does not apply on the Isle of Man, and patients are advised not to use NHS 111 for local healthcare needs.”
Support is available for those without internet access and the administration team can complete the form on a patient’s behalf.
The change follows feedback about previous difficulties booking appointments.
The practice reports the morning queue, “previously averaging 10 to 15 people, this has significantly reduced,” with most patients finding the new system easy to use.