Select a region
The transition to a new "stand-alone" health department is set to begin next year, the Health Minister has revealed.
Deputy Tom Binet said that the new "all-encompassing, unified, Jersey Health System" will be "separated from, but connected to government" – with its own CEO and individual budget.
The Minister had previously outlined his plans to create a "holistic, single, seamless, integrated health service", but it has so far been unclear as to when this would launch.
But now, Deputy Binet has revealed that the first steps in the transition will take place next year.
Pictured: Health Minister Tom Binet at the Overdale site.
He outlined his proposal in the Health and Community Service Annual Plan 2025, which is due to be presented to the HCS Advisory Board later this week.
In the document's foreword, Deputy Binet described the island's Health Department as being at a "crossroads" following "several years of relative turbulence".
He wrote: "We plan to establish an all-encompassing, unified, Jersey Health System.
"For the first time we will appoint a Chief Executive, charged with delivering a properly integrated service, guiding and overseeing the interaction of all health service providers."
The Health Minister continued: "This will involve the creation of a new ‘stand-alone’ health department.
"Separated from, but connected to government, it would encompass all health functions, including strategy, policy, legislation, public health, digital health, commissioning, procurement, and population data."
Pictured: "In 2025, we will focus on developing the systems that support integrated partnership working," the annual plan said.
Deputy Binet explained that "key advisory roles" such as a Chief Nurse Advisor and a Chief Pharmaceutical Advisor, would support this integrated approach.
He added that the formation of a new Jersey Health and Care Partnership Board is "central to the proposal".
"Here, each health service provider will contribute equally," he said.
"This structure would include Civil Servants serving in executive capacities alongside non-executive members representing private and charitable healthcare providers, ensuring a balanced and inclusive approach to governance."
The Health Minister explained that another key aspect of the proposal is the establishment of a single, central fund to manage all health-related finances.
Pictured: "The proposal underscores the importance of not transferring fragmented services into the new hospital," said Deputy Binet.
He continued: "Collaboration with central government would be essential to build the autonomous internal framework for HR, finance, and procurement within the broader government system, along with Digital/IT which will receive particular attention.
"Preventive health measures are a major focus of the proposal, including increased screening, vaccinations, health monitoring, and initiatives for healthier living from a young age.
"This proactive approach aims to address the root causes of health issues, thereby making the health budget more manageable in the longer term and improving the quality of life for residents."
Deputy Binet emphasised that despite current funding constraints, "the proposal underscores the importance of not transferring fragmented services into the new hospital".
Health Minister's prescription: A new type of CEO for Health?
Jersey needs an "all-encompassing" health system, says Minister
Comments
Comments on this story express the views of the commentator only, not Bailiwick Publishing. We are unable to guarantee the accuracy of any of those comments.