For this week only: an online GP's surgery

An online GP surgery run by drug company Pfizer opens its virtual doors for a week today.

The opening of manmot.co.uk is being pegged on a poll run by market research specialists One Poll which found that 61% of men would avoid a trip to the doctors 'at all costs'. The research also found that 85% of these men would consider discussing a health problem if they could do so privately and confidentially on-line.

Pfizer stress that this online surgery — which will provide an 'out of hours' service from 6pm-11pm - is designed to complement the existing GP network rather than bypass it.

The MHF is backing the idea. The online surgery contains links to malehealth and includes MHF mini-manuals among the reading matter that you'll find in the virtual waiting room.

Malehealth editor Jim Pollard said: 'in an ideal world, men would go to their GP at the first sign of trouble and, if a site like this were needed, it would be provided by an independent organisation like the MHF. Unfortunately, we don't live in that world. The One Poll research backs up our impressions about men's reluctance to use their GP and preference for the internet and drug companies like Pfizer have the resources to do this sort of thing when we don't.'

Dr Berkeley Phillips, Medical Director at Pfizer said, 'Manmot has been set-up to enhance, rather than circumvent, the existing GP-patient relationship. Clearly, there are a lot of men out there who are not talking to their GP when they need to, which can lead to life-threatening conditions going undiagnosed. We're hoping the surgery will allow men that feel they don't have the time, or are too embarrassed to visit their GP, to get any health concerns checked over.'

Racing driver and TV presenter Tiff Needell is also backing the new site. He said: 'I for one know how easy it is to ignore health niggles, but leaving problems unseen can have serious consequences. Men should think of a visit to their GP as being as quick and simple as taking their car in for its annual MOT. We should listen to our bodies in the same way that we take notice of strange noises or performance issues with our cars - seeking expert advice when required.'

Pitstops at service stations

Manmot will be open 6pm-11pm from 5th October to 9th October 2009. It is being supported by the Men's Health Forum, National Obesity Forum and Sexual Dysfunction Association.

In addition, Pfizer's PerforMANce pitstops will open at selected service stations across the country next week, offering complimentary car valets to engage with men and highlight the importance of regular health checks. All male drivers will be provided with educational materials in the form of a 'man MOT' card. This will include information about the latest research and will encourage men to get health concerns checked out either through a visit to their GP or seeking advice from the online surgery.