Prescription ordering

The practice has noted a significant increase in last minute prescription requests.  Please ensure you order your repeat medications in a timely manner - don't run out!  During busy times and when the practice is short staffed we cannot guarantee to fulfil last minute requests despite all best efforts.  Further guidance can be found on our prescriptions page.

Appointment pressures

At present we have limited appointment availability due to staff illness and winter pressures.  We would advise patients to follow our signposting guidance when seeking medical assistance.  Please be kind to our admin staff who do their best to advise and assist.

Christmas/New Year Closures

Please note the practice will be closed on the following dates:

Wednesday 25 December 2024

Thursday 26 December 2024

Wednesday 1 January 2025

Please bear these closures in mind when submitting requests for medication (see guidance above with regard to prescription ordering).

Non-attendances (Did Not Attends)

The practice is continuing to experience a number of non-attendances.  If you are unable to attend please ensure you cancel your appointment so this can be offered to another patient.  Our Appointments section provides guidance on how to cancel an appointment.

NHS App/Patient Access

We have been made aware of difficulties in accessing the NHS App.  We would strongly advise utilising Patient Access if online access is required.  Further information can be found here.

We have also been made aware of difficulties as a result of recent changes to Patient Access.  Further information and advice can be found here.  Please contact Patient Access Technical Support if you have any access difficulties; the practice can only provide limited support with regard to technical issues.

Practice parking

The practice has implemented disc parking for all patients attending the surgery.  This is limited to 30 minutes.  If you are more than 30 minutes and receive a ticket please see the reception desk who will be able to provide proof of appointment.  This is being implemented as we wish to keep the patient car park just for patients.

Going off the island?

Please ensure you take sufficient supplies of medication with you.  Again, guidance for requesting medication can be found here; if you require early or additional supplies for the holiday period please explain this within your written request.  If you run out of medication whilst off the island you will need to register as a temporary patient at a nearby GP practice or attend a walk-in centre to request further supplies.

The Reciprocal Healthcare Arrangement (RHA) between the Isle of Man and the UK has been updated and extends the period of free emergency healthcare to 6 months.  Further information can be found here.

If you are travelling abroad please see our travel information here.

Are your contact details up to date?

Please ensure you notify the practice of any change of contact details.  This can be done via e-mail to palatine@gov.im or by completing a form at the practice reception desk.

GDPR consent

If you require someone to collect documents or prescriptions from the practice on your behalf please read the information here and ensure that the practice has GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) consent. It is particularly important for carers or relatives of elderly patients to ensure this is in place.

Sick notes

Before requesting a sick note from the doctor we would ask you to read the guidance here.

Urine samples/urinary tract infections

We would be grateful if patients could refrain from delivering urine samples to the practice unless a practice clinician has advised to.  We would also advise that urinary tract infections/cystitis in women aged 16-65 can be treated by local pharmacies under the Minor Ailments Scheme.  Further information can be found on our Minor Ailments Scheme page. 

Requests for non-NHS services

Please see our page here with regard to non-NHS services and requests for information, completion of forms etc which may incur a charge.  We are receiving increasing requests for medical records and would advise patients to register for Patient Access in the first instance prior to submitting an access request.

We would like to wish our patients a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Palatine Group Practice Team

19 December 2024