Average price of singular GP appointment in Guernsey rises to more than £70

Medical professionals are worried that the rise in price will cause fewer islanders to seek healthcare. Credit: PA Images

The average price of a ten-minute appointment with a GP in Guernsey has increased to £70.50.

Some medical professionals now fear that this latest rise will mean islanders won't seek healthcare when they are unwell, which could cost the taxpayer more money in the long run.

It's a specific concern for the Guernsey group CareWatch which believes rising prices for GP appointments will put people off from seeing a doctor, leading to strain on other services.

The group's chair, Bella Farrell, has been speaking to ITV News. She said: "What we will be concerned about is that vulnerable people can access primary care because we know the implications of them not being able to access primary care early.

"This is an implication for everybody when secondary care costs more."

Across Guernsey's three providers of GP surgeries, pay-on-the-day appointments, generally lasting 10 minutes or less, range from £69 to £72.

An extended appointment lasting at least 20 minutes, ranges from £161.50 to £166.

Those under 18-years-old will be charged either £25 or £15 for an appointment.

The State of Guernsey pays a £12 contribution towards the cost of a primary care GP appointment.

There are many reasons why GP prices increase and some of them include: inflation, the increasing cost of medical supplies and insurance as well as wages for employees working in GP practices.

One island politician has already asked Health and Social Care to allow pharmacists to deliver repeat prescriptions rather than the need for a GP appointment.

The price of a singular GP appointment now costs £71.50, people like Emily who need regular appoints feel worried about the increase. Credit: ITV Channel

Guernsey resident Emily has complex medical needs and can no longer get health insurance. She receives help from income support but is worried about the new cost of a GP appointment.

She says: "In the scheme of things it is a lot of money.

"I understand and respect that GPs are trained and qualified, which takes a lot of work behind the scenes. I see it from two sides. But actually, when you go and see a GP you can't do a payment plan, you've got to pay for it there and then.

"Some people don't get paid when they need to go to a GP. You're not going to plan to see a GP and I think it can be really stressful."

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