The Minster for Health, Gemma Arias-Vasquez, has announced the re-introduction of a dedicated Sick Note Line at the Primary Care Centre (PCC), accessible via 200 52441. 

A statement from the Government follows below:

This initiative aims  to significantly reduce the number of GP appointments currently taken up by individuals only seeking a  sick note, thereby improving access to face-to-face and telephone GP consultations for those in need of  clinical care. This service is in addition to the existing online sick note system available via the e-Gov  platform, offering patients multiple convenient options to obtain their sick notes. Patients wishing to use  the sick note line can call Monday-Friday between 8:15am and 9:15am. 

To ensure continued patient safety, the Divisional Lead of the PCC has included certain parameters to  ensure that there are always clinical safeguards in place. These safeguards will be monitored and  reviewed over time to ensure the system remains both effective and safe. 

Additionally, Minister Arias-Vasquez has launched a new appointment reminder system, whereby patients  will now receive a pre-appointment phone call in addition to the existing text message reminder. This dual notification approach is expected to reduce the number of missed appointments and further increase  availability for face-to-face consultations. This was recently introduced as a trial and has already seen an  improvement in the availability of daily GP appointments, at no additional cost. 

These measures were discussed and agreed upon at the initial meetings of the PCC Taskforce, chaired  by Minister Arias-Vasquez. 

The Minister for Health and Care, the Hon Gemma Arias-Vasquez, said: "I am really pleased to have today  announced these two initiatives which are designed to improve efficiency within the Primary Care Centre  by freeing up GP appointments for those who need them most. The introduction of a dedicated Sick Note  Line will ensure that individuals requiring a sick note can obtain one without unnecessarily occupying  valuable face-to-face or telephone GP appointment slots. Additionally, the improved appointment reminder  system will help reduce the number of missed appointments, ensuring that more people can receive the  care they need in a timely manner. 

“I am committed to ensuring the PCC works for everyone and that everyone who needs an appointment  gets one. Through the PCC taskforce, I expect to continue improving the system and to make further  announcements in coming months which will further increase the number of GP appointments available  at the start of every day.”