Foxdale residents told to find a new GP

Ballasalla Medical Centre blames pressure on NHS

A number of patients registered at Ballasalla Medical Centre have received letters telling them to find another Doctor's surgery by the end of the year.

Residents in Foxdale - some of whom have been with the GP for decades - have been informed that they are "outside of the catchment area" for the practice and will be removed from the list.

According to the Centre, it's due to "the current pressures that the NHS is feeling as the total number of patients increase".

The letter states: "We note from our records that you live outside of the Ballasalla Medical Centre catchment area.

"Unfortunately we currently do not have the capacity to keep patients on our list who live outside of our catchment area.

"We understand you may be upset at having to move surgery especially if you have been with us for some time. However we are finding it increasingly difficult to offer appointments to patients who are in our catchment area due to the current pressures that the NHS is feeling as the total number of patients increase.

"The practice boundary is set by the Department of Health and Social Care.

"We ask that you register with another practice in order for your medical records to transmit electronically to your new practice. You will be removed from our practice list in the New Year."

Manx Radio has contacted Manx Care and the Department of Health and Social Care for comment.