News

Learning Disability Week 2026 (15–21 June)

This week is Learning Disability Week, with the theme “Do you see me?” — encouraging us all to recognise, value, and truly listen to people with learning disabilities.

It’s a time to celebrate achievements, challenge barriers, and promote greater inclusion across our community.

On Thursday 18 June, two free events are taking place at the Keyll Daree Health and Social Care Higher Education Centre:

Morning Session (10:00am – 12:00pm)

A powerful session where people with learning disabilities and their families share their personal stories. This is a great opportunity for health and social care professionals, educators, and anyone interested in supporting people with learning disabilities.

Afternoon Session (1:00pm – 3:30pm)

Open to everyone, including people with learning disabilities, families, and the wider community.

This session includes two talks:

•  Communication Differences – exploring how people with learning disabilities experience communication and how we can better support them.

•  Healthcare Access – sharing recent findings and plans to make health services more accessible for the learning disability and neurodivergent community.

Booking is essential for both sessions. Please register via Eventbrite using the link:Learning Disability Event Tickets

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day – 15 June

Every older adult deserves to live with dignity, respect, and free from harm.

Abuse can take many forms – including physical, emotional, financial, or neglect – and it often goes unnoticed. On the Isle of Man, referrals to adult safeguarding have risen significantly in recent years.

Today we’re asking everyone to play their part by:

•  Recognising the signs of abuse

•  Speaking up if you’re concerned

•  Supporting those who may be at risk

Together, we can help prevent harm and protect some of the most vulnerable members of our community.

If you are worried about yourself or someone else, please contact Adult Safeguarding on 01624 685969. You can also speak to a member of our team at the surgery if you would like support or advice.

Isle of Man Safeguarding Board

Manx Care Statement on Depo-Provera Injection

Following recent UK media coverage, Manx Care has confirmed that a 2024 study found a small increased risk of meningioma (a usually non-cancerous brain tumour) linked to long-term use of Depo-Provera.

Meningiomas are uncommon, and in most cases they are slow-growing and non-cancerous. Manx Care has said that for the vast majority of women the overall risk remains very low, and there is currently no change to routine advice regarding this form of contraception.

If you are currently using Depo-Provera and would like to discuss this, please contact the surgery to speak with a clinician.

The full article can be accessed here.

Medicinal Cannabis Clinics and Medical Records

Southern Group Practice is occasionally contacted by patients seeking information about medicinal cannabis clinics.

Private medicinal cannabis clinics are independent organisations and are not part of Southern Group Practice or Manx Care services.

Patients who choose to access a private medicinal cannabis clinic may be asked to provide information from their summary care record. In some cases, the clinic may request a summary of your medical history, current medications and relevant diagnoses. Requests for medical information are processed in accordance with data protection legislation and may be subject to administrative timescales.

Please note:

• Southern Group Practice does not provide medicinal cannabis assessments.
• The decision to prescribe medicinal cannabis rests with the prescribing clinician from the private clinic.
• The practice does not provide supporting letters for medicinal cannabis clinics
• Our GP's will not prescribe or take over prescribing arrangements initiated by a private provider.

Jess's Rule - what it means for you

You may see information in the practice about "Jess's Rule", a patient safety approach being introduced across the Isle of Man.

Jess's rule is simple. If symptoms continue, change, or do not improve as expected, it is important to review them again.

At Southern Group Practice, this reflects how we already work:

• If your symptoms persist or worsen, you should contact us again.
• If something doesn't feel right, we want to hear about it.
• We will reassess, review, and consider whether further investigation or referral is needed.

You can help by:

• Letting us know if youer symptoms are not improving.
• Being clear about what has changedor is concerning you.
• Asking questions if you are unsure about your diagnosis or plan.

Most symptoms seen in general practice are caused by common and self-limiting conditions. However, we recognise that occassionally symptoms can develop or change over time, and follow-up is important.

If you have ongoing concerns about your health, please contact the practice.

Enhanced Mental Health Support Available - Meet Our First Contact Mental Health Practitioner!

We’re delighted to offer specialist mental health support directly at Southern Group Practice through our First Contact Mental Health Practitioner (FCP MH) service.

This means if you’re experiencing emotional wellbeing or mental health concerns, you can get expert advice, assessment, and care quickly, right here with your Primary Care Team.

They provide one-to-one consultations, either by telephone or face-to-face.

To book an appointment or get more information, please speak to our Reception Team.

This service helps ensure timely support for issues like anxiety, low mood, stress, or other challenges, so you don’t have to wait longer or navigate separate services alone.

Direct Access to Our First Contact Physiotherapist

We’re pleased to offer First Contact Physiotherapy right here at Southern Group Practice.

What is First Contact Physiotherapy?

First Contact Physiotherapists (FCPs) are highly experienced musculoskeletal (MSK) specialists with many years of expertise in assessing and managing joint, bone, muscle, tendon, and soft tissue problems – such as back pain, neck pain, sprains, strains, sports injuries, or arthritis flares.

You can book directly with our FCP for an assessment – no need to see a GP first! This helps you get specialist advice, exercises, diagnosis, and management plans faster, while freeing up GP appointments for other needs.

This service is ideal for new or ongoing musculoskeletal issues.

How to Book:

Contact the surgery on 01624 686979 to arrange your appointment.

Cervical screening programme

Cervical screening (sometimes called a smear test) is part of the Isle of Man national screening programme. It helps find changes in cervical cells before they develop into cancer. Early detection through regular screening gives the best chance to prevent cervical cancer. Since 2018, all screening samples are tested for HPV first. HPV is a very common virus. Certain types can cause changes in cervical cells that may develop into cancer over time.

On the Isle of Man, people aged 25 to 64 who have a cervix are invited for screening every five years.

After your first screening appointment, you will automatically be recalled every five years unless advised otherwise.

You should attend screening even if you have gone through the menopause. If you are unsure whether you still need screening, or if you have had a hysterectomy, please speak to your GP or Practice Nurse for advice.

Invitations are issued through the Cervical Screening Programme. Your contact details are provided by your registered GP practice, so please ensure your details are up to date. Further information about the cervical screening and human papillomavirus (HPV) testing can be found in the video below.