• New dedicated sick note line introduced
• Pre-appointment reminder telephone calls introduced

The Minster for Health, the Hon Gemma Arias-Vasquez, has announced the re-introduction of a dedicated Sick Note Line at the Primary Care Centre (PCC), accessible via 200 52441. This initiative aims to significantly reduce the number of GP appointments currently taken up by individuals only seeking a sick note, thereby improving access to face-to-face and telephone GP consultations for those in need of clinical care. This service is in addition to the existing online sick note system available via the e-Gov platform, offering patients multiple convenient options to obtain their sick notes. Patients wishing to use the sick note line can call Monday-Friday between 8:15am and 9:15am.

To ensure continued patient safety, the Divisional Lead of the PCC has included certain parameters to ensure that there are always clinical safeguards in place. These safeguards will be monitored and reviewed over time to ensure the system remains both effective and safe.

Additionally, Minister Arias-Vasquez has launched a new appointment reminder system, whereby patients will now receive a pre-appointment phone call in addition to the existing text message reminder. This dual- notification approach is expected to reduce the number of missed appointments and further increase availability for face-to-face consultations. This was recently introduced as a trial and has already seen an improvement in the availability of daily GP appointments, at no additional cost.

These measures were discussed and agreed upon at the initial meetings of the PCC Taskforce, chaired by Minister Arias-Vasquez.

The Minister for Health and Care, the Hon Gemma Arias-Vasquez, said: "I am really pleased to have today announced these two initiatives which are designed to improve efficiency within the Primary Care Centre by freeing up GP appointments for those who need them most. The introduction of a dedicated Sick Note Line will ensure that individuals requiring a sick note can obtain one without unnecessarily occupying valuable face-to-face or telephone GP appointment slots. Additionally, the improved appointment reminder system will help reduce the number of missed appointments, ensuring that more people can receive the care they need in a timely manner.

“I am committed to ensuring the PCC works for everyone and that everyone who needs an appointment gets one. Through the PCC taskforce, I expect to continue improving the system and to make further announcements in coming months which will further increase the number of GP appointments available at the start of every day.”