GP groups blame cost of insurance, staff expenses for more expensive appointments

New higher prices came into effect on 1 January at all three of the island’s general practice partnerships – Queens Road, Healthcare Group and Island Health.

The hikes have been blamed on inflation-driven cost increases across various aspects of the medical industry, including staff expenses and insurance.

It now costs more than £70 for a 10-minute consultation at both Queens Road and Island Health – £70.50 and £72 respectively – while Healthcare Group charges £69.

GP appointments are subject to a £12 States grant. Any patient who is not eligible for the grant would have to pay £12 on top of the advertised fee.

Charges for under-18s have remained at £25.

Island Health GP Dr Michael Long said the practice had needed to adapt in order to maintain a high standard of care.

He said one of the most significant factors contributing to the increased costs was a rise in staff expenses.

‘To attract and retain the best talent, we must offer competitive salaries and benefits packages, which have inevitably been affected by inflation.’

Dr Long added that the cost of medical indemnity insurance had been steadily increasing over the years.

‘This insurance is essential for protecting both our patients and our practice, ensuring that we can continue to provide quality care without the fear of financial ruin in the event of a claim,’ he said.

‘Unfortunately, the rising cost of indemnity insurance has also contributed to the overall increase in the cost of seeing a GP.’

Inflationary pressures have also been put on the maintenance and upgrading of the practice’s medical equipment, as well as on supplies and medications.

‘We strive to provide our patients with access to the latest technologies and treatments, which often come at a higher cost,’ Dr Long said.

Despite the challenges, he said the practice remained committed to providing affordable care.

‘We understand that the increased costs may be a burden for some, and we are always willing to work with our patients to find solutions that meet their needs.’

Healthcare Group chairman Dr Ed Partridge said that maintaining quality came at a cost.

He said rising staff expenses had been a ‘significant’ contributing factor in what was a ‘very challenging’ market for doctor and nurse recruitment.

‘Despite the difficult climate we remain committed to being a quality family practice, putting our patients at the forefront of everything we do.

‘We are very mindful of the impact of cost increases and encourage any patients who are struggling with their bills to discuss this directly with our accounts team.’

Dr Mat Dorrian, of Queens Road Medical Practice, said access to quality general practice was fundamental in any health service, but the cost of providing this care had risen significantly recently, with medical inflation outstripping other industries with insurance for medical staff and clinical supplies rising significantly.

‘Sustainability of our services is a key priority, as is attracting the highest quality of staff to work in our team,’ he said.

‘Our responsibility to our patients is to ensure that we maintain our services and a fundamental part of this is ensuring the financial viability of the practice.’

He said Queens Road was aware of the increasing pressure on patients’ finances, and encouraged patients with payment difficulties to contact the practice’s accounts team in order to find a solution.

He added that, while the funding of the health service in Guernsey was different to that of the NHS, access to see a GP in Guernsey was ‘significantly’ better than what was experienced in the UK’s health service.

‘We remain determined to ensure this continues, while being equally committed to assisting any patients who need help with payments to ensure they continue to get the medical care they need.’