Patients Skipping GP Appointments Over Fees
Patients in Guernsey are increasingly skipping GP appointments due to escalating fees, a charity has reported. Recent price hikes have elevated the average cost of a GP visit on the island to £73, rising from £70.50 in 2025, based on an analysis by BBC of the prices from the three primary healthcare providers. Although the States of Guernsey offers a £12 subsidy, many still find it unaffordable.
Rising Costs Affecting Healthcare Access
– Jim Roberts, chief executive of the Guernsey Community Foundation, expressed concern: Lower and middle-income households are thinking, ‘I just can’t afford that.’
– Mat Dorrian, Guernsey representative for the British Medical Association, emphasized that the cost of delivering healthcare has risen significantly worldwide due to increased demand. He stated:
– There’s a lot of pressure on primary care and any healthcare provider to maintain quality services.
– We are seeing higher numbers of patients, many with more complex conditions needing ongoing care.
Consequences of Delayed Treatment
Roberts warned that postponing medical treatment often exacerbates health issues. He highlighted the impact of rising healthcare costs:
– As these expenses increase, and if they aren’t matched by improvements in living standards and earning capacity, the problem will only get worse.
The Urgent Need for Preventive Health
A 2025 report by Guernsey’s Public Health cautioned that without a shift towards preventive health measures, the healthcare system could face a crisis within the next two decades. Dorrian mentioned the significance of lifestyle in prevention:
– Guernsey offers an excellent environment for accessing resources outside of medicine that can prevent health issues.
– He advocates for social prescribing, which focuses on promoting community interaction over medication, saying, I think Guernsey has embraced this approach well.
Future Health Prospects
The current Health and Social Care (HSC) committee intends to review the primary care sector as part of its government plan. This is a critical moment for Guernsey’s healthcare system, which requires attention to sustain its effectiveness amid rising costs.
For further insights and updates, follow BBC Guernsey on X, Facebook, and Instagram, or send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk.
Conclusion
The escalating fees are leading many patients to skip GP appointments, a troubling trend that threatens the health of Guernsey’s population. To avert a potential crisis, emphasis on preventive health measures and socioeconomic support for lower and middle-income households is crucial.