States investigating ending GP visits for long-term repeat prescriptions

The Health & Social Care Committee has already taken a look at the issue and expects it to become a priority issue for the next political term up to 2029.

Deputy Andy Cameron asked the committee what it was doing on this issue in the light of concerns about the £70 cost of seeing a doctor.

‘In other jurisdictions, pharmacists can directly provide repeat prescriptions for medications related to cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, respiratory illnesses, and more – reducing unnecessary costs and easing GP workloads,’ Deputy Cameron said.

‘Given that Guernsey continues to charge patients for repeat prescriptions, adding further financial strain, why has HSC not implemented a pharmacist-led repeat prescription system similar to those successfully used elsewhere?’

HSC said that prescriptions could currently be issued for up to six months by a GP. It was felt that a medical review was beneficial in ‘many cases’ before a repeat could be issued.

‘Some provisional scoping has been undertaken but the substantive policy, contractual and legislative changes required to facilitate such changes, and the associated funding, will be explored as part of the strategic portfolio for sustainable health and care in the Government Work Plan 2025-29,’ it said.

‘The committee remains supportive of primary care and pharmacy reform, which could see an expansion of services provided by community pharmacies, such as repeat prescribing and treatment of common conditions, among other things.’