Politician's assisted dying staffing concerns "theoretical", says GP

Wednesday 05 June 2024

The former head of Jersey's Primary Care Body has responded to concerns raised by an Assistant Health Minister about the potential impact of the recently-approved assisted dying law on staffing levels among medical practitioners.

Dr Nigel Minihane, who formed the Healthcare Professionals for Assisted Dying in Jersey group, said that the concerns raised by Deputy Andy Howell are "theoretical".

Politicians last month voted in favour of setting up an assisted dying service in Jersey.

Pictured: Local GP Dr Nigel Minihane is the former head of Jersey's Primary Care Body.

The service will be open to people with a terminal illness with a life expectancy of six months, or 12 months if they have a neurodegenerative disease.

However, someone with an incurable physical condition which might not be terminal but is causing them unbearable suffering will not be eligible, after States Members rejected that part of the proposition.

"This will set staff at odds with each other"

During the States debate, Deputy Howell raised several concerns about the service's potential impact on staffing as well as the need to have surveyed medical practitioners prior to the vote.

At the time, she said: "This will set staff at odds with each other. Yes, there is an opt-out clause. This is a very small island and what about those care homes where the managers are happy to allow it on their premises, but whose staff may object?

"What impact will this have on current staff levels? Will medical practitioners leave the island if this proposition becomes law? These are questions you need to consider."

Pictured: Assistant Health Minister Andy Howell questioned if the service could affect staffing levels among medical practitioners.

Speaking to Express, she added: "I do have concerns – it will cost a significant amount and who will staff it locally?"

"It is such a sensitive and complex topic," she continued.

"I do know that some doctors are against it".

"Theoretical" issues that "will be looked at"

However, Dr Minihane pointed out that because only route one – which includes people with a terminal illness with a life expectancy of six months, or 12 months if they have a neurodegenerative disease – was approved, "we are not looking at large numbers".

The doctor said that Deputy Howell was raising "theoretical" issues that "will be looked at as part of the process".

"It's potentially a problem but we need to see if it is," Dr Minihane continued, although he noted that he knew at least three doctors "prepared to do it".

"Some practitioners may disagree with it, but it isn't mandatory," he added.