It will be cheaper to see a practice nurse or healthcare assistant at your GP surgery from today ( 1 July).
Jersey's government has expanded its subsidies, providing £10 towards appointments with a wider range of primary care professionals, as well as telephone consultations.
The subsidy for seeing a nurse, pharmacist, paramedics, or healthcare assistants follows reductions in GP appointments of £20 in 2023, and £30 last year.
The Social Security Minister says it's part of efforts to ease the pressure on households, and ensure people aren't put off seeking early medical help by the cost.
Deputy Lyndsay Feltham, said: “I’m pleased to introduce this new support, which extends financial relief to patients accessing a broader range of primary care professionals, including nurses and telephone consultations.
“I'm grateful to general practice for working with us to deliver this important expansion. Together, we are working to strengthen a high-quality, accessible, and flexible primary care system for all islanders.”
Dr Gordon Callander from the Primary Care Body says practices are doing all they can to minimise the impact of rising healthcare costs on patients.
"Many practices now offer consultations with other healthcare professionals who can often meet patients' needs. It is great that the important work of practice nurses, healthcare assistants, paramedics and pharmacists is recognised by Employment, Social Security and Housing (ESSH) to allow the evolution of services offered to patients.
“In addition, the use of remote consultations by phone or video has proved invaluable to a number of patients. We are grateful to government for recognising and encouraging new ways of working which reflect modern General Practice."
The expanded subsidy does not apply to out-of-hours services provided by Jersey Doctors on Call (JDOC), as well as patients in the Health Access Scheme who pay fixed reduced fees for GP services.
The scheme is paid for from the Health Insurance Fund. Patients need to have lived in Jersey for at least six months.
Islanders are advised to check with individual practices for details of the fees they charge.
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