'Free GP appointments will help many islanders'

Jersey residents have been reacting after a surgery announced it would be the first in the island to offer free GP appointments.

The initiative by Windsor Medical Practice aims to make healthcare more accessible to the island's residents, especially amid rising living costs.

Bosses said it was also a response to Health Minister Tom Binet's suggestion of bringing in new charges for people to use certain health services.

Rose Le Mottee, who was among the islanders the BBC spoke to about the move, said: "I think it's brilliant, but I also think it's too good to be true. Like, is it maintainable because they're going to have overheads and how are they going to cover them?"

Ms Le Mottee said: "Over a period of time they may struggle.

"I have a good relationship with my current doctor, and I think switching might be madness.

"But a lot of people will likely switch, so I'll wait and see what happens."

Dr Jane Holloran, GP at Windsor Medical Practice, had said the government subsidy of £50.28 per visit was enough money to "balance the books".

"We want to basically encourage this model throughout Jersey and we would like other people to take on board the idea of ensuring that everybody in Jersey can access a GP appointment without worrying about their finances and whether they can afford it," she said.

Another resident, Gary Philpott, welcomed the initiative.

"I think it's great. Anything free is good, especially GP appointments," he said.

"This will definitely make a difference to many islanders, especially with how expensive things are now."

Shahab Ahmed said: "It will definitely help the community in Jersey by providing free sessions and helping people understand more about their GP.

"It's a nice move."

An extra 1,000 places have been offered at the clinic and Dr Holloran said the practice may look to procure other GP surgeries in future to expand their services if there was high demand for free appointments.

The practice has not asked for extra funding from the government and "doesn't expect it", said Dr Holloran.

Follow BBC Jersey on X and Facebook. Send your story ideas to [email protected].