Gibraltar now has a dedicated line to call in sick from work, freeing up doctors.

GIBRALTAR launches a sick note telephone service today to cut down on waiting times for GP appointment.

The move was announced by Health Minister Gemma Arias Vasquez. Patients can now get sick notes from the Primary Care Centres (PCCs) without having to book a consultation with a doctor.

The goal is to streamline the process by releasing hundreds of appointment slots.

The PCC also added a telephone system to its existing text messaging system to help reduce the number of missed appointments. 

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The government says that early trials have already shown this dual approach to improve daily GP accessibility at no additional cost.

Arias-Vasquez: “I was really pleased today to announce these initiatives that are intended to improve efficiency at the Primary Care Centre, by freeing up appointments for those in need. 

“The introduction a dedicated Sick Note Line, will ensure that individuals needing a sick letter can obtain one without having to waste valuable appointments with GPs.”

These initiatives aim to increase efficiency in the Primary Care Centre, by releasing GP appointments for patients who are most in need.

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Further improvements are expected in the coming months.

The service is available by calling 200 52441 from 8.15am to 9.15am, Monday to Friday. This complements the current online sick-note system on the eGov platform.

Further improvements are expected in the coming months.