A JERSEY GP surgery has become the first in the Island to offer free appointments on a permanent basis.
The move by Windsor Medical Practice, based at the Lido Medical Centre in St Helier, is aimed at removing financial barriers to healthcare and reducing pressure on the Hospital.
Existing patients will automatically receive the free consultation service, while 1,000 new patients can also sign up on a first-come, first-served basis.
The announcement comes amid growing concern about people avoiding the doctor due to the cost of appointments as the cost-of-living crisis continues, while there have also been warnings from Health about the number of Islanders visiting the Emergency Department for minor illnesses.
Speaking to the JEP about the decision, Dr Jane Holloran, from the practice, said the aim was to improve early access to care and help prevent serious health problems from developing.
“As a GP, I’ve seen people delay coming to see me because of financial reasons,” she said. “Their condition worsens, and had they come sooner, the outcome would have been better.”
She explained that people with long-term health conditions often avoid appointments due to the cost, which allows problems to escalate.
“No one should have to put their health at risk because they can’t afford to see a doctor,” she said. “We want a service that’s accessible to all.”
The practice said the initiative is sustainable and will be funded through existing government grants.
The model has been costed to ensure doctors are still paid fairly while the service remains free for patients.
“We’ve looked at the figures carefully and we’re confident it’s affordable,” said Dr Holloran.
“We’ve also expanded our team so we’re ready for the increased demand.”
The new approach comes as Jersey’s health services are facing increased strain. Around half of all visits to Jersey’s Emergency Department last year were for non-urgent conditions that a GP could have treated.
Health Minister Tom Binet recently said he was considering fines for people who misuse emergency services — and Windsor Medical says its new service is a direct response to this issue.
Dr Holloran said there would be no limit on the number of appointments available per patient.
Reform Jersey leader Deputy Sam Mézec, who has previously called for free GP care, welcomed the announcement.
“When we began campaigning to make GP appointments free, we were told it was a silly socialist idea that wouldn’t work,” he said. “Now a private practice is volunteering to make all appointments free of charge because they believe that the cost puts people off getting healthcare when they need it and encourages people to misuse A&E instead.”
“Well done to Windsor Medical Practice for this fantastic progressive initiative. I hope more practices will follow suit and one day we can celebrate being an Island where healthcare is free at the point of need for all.”
More information about the service and how to register can be found at: windsormedical.je/free-gp-service
