Manx Care is exploring the possibility of introducing online appointment booking for the Manx Integrated Sexual Health Service.
Health Minister Claire Christian told MHKs that discussions have taken place within the service, but work has yet to progress on costing, staffing needs, and capacity.
Responding to a question from Jason Moorhouse, Ms Christian said: “Manx Care has been considering the option of online appointment booking for the Manx Integrated Sexual Health Service, particularly in response to feedback from patients who have expressed a desire for greater flexibility and convenience when accessing appointments.”
Calls
Ms Christian provided data showing the service handled 1,121 calls with 44 voicemails in March, 1,304 calls with 92 voicemails in April, and 1,232 calls with 52 voicemails in May.
When asked whether online booking could overwhelm service capacity, Ms Christian said: “That’s actually what they’re reviewing right now to look at that capacity.”
The minister indicated the business case is not funded within the current financial envelope and would represent an additional cost. She said indicative costs are approximately £30,000, though this is not confirmed.
On concerns about millennials’ reluctance to use phones, Ms Christian noted patients can already email the service: “I do think that young people are quite at bay with using emails in this day and age.”