The island has modern hospitals and healthcare facilities and is able to offer a wide range of services. Some specialist treatments have to be carried out in the UK, under a reciprocal health agreement. Administration of health in the island is by the Department of Health and Social Services. Their role is to provide free healthcare in respect of hospital, community and public and environmental health schemes.

The General Hospital offers a wide range of general and
acute services which includes:

• Accident and Emergency open at all times for genuine
emergencies, including dental care.

• 23 General Practices.

• Over 100 doctors. These are private practitioners and
therefore charge a fee for their services.

• Over 20 community pharmacies, providing wide range of
services and over the counter medicines.

• Some pharmacies open for extended hours in the evening
and on Sunday ensuring that the service is available 7
days a week, 365 days of the year.

• Over 40 dentist in practice. Most types of treatment are
charged for, payable to the dentists.

• Free dental treatment up to the age of 11 years at the
Dental Department at the General Hospital.

• 8 independent optometrists and dispensing opticians.

• 2 franchises of large UK high street optometrists and
dispensing opticians.