How do the public want healthcare to be funded in future? We still don't know...

Wednesday 13 March 2024

The results of a survey of islanders that was due to inform options for how healthcare is funded in future are yet to be made public after nearly 11 months.

The poll, which was conducted by research company 4Insight, is designed to give the Government an understanding of islanders’ attitudes towards healthcare funding.

Then-Health-Minister Karen Wilson commissioned the poll in May 2023 as part of a Government Plan commitment to develop options for funding Jersey’s healthcare in the future.

The survey, which received 1,144 valid responses, was not intended to canvas views on specific options for change but rather to understand broader attitudes – for example islanders’ thoughts on whether Government should raise more money to spend on health and care services.

When the poll was initially announced, it was suggested that these potential changes to Jersey's healthcare funding would be subject to full consultation with islanders in late 2023 or early 2024.

Pictured: Deputy Wilson commissioned the poll in May 2023 as part of a Government Plan commitment to develop options for funding Jersey’s healthcare in the future.

However, this consultation is yet to take place, and it has now emerged that there is currently no agreed timeframe for publication of the results.

Health Minister Tom Binet said: "I am reviewing the results of the Health Funding Attitudes Poll and the future funding options, and I will share my assessment as soon as I am able to do so."

He added: "It is anticipated that there will be initial discussions with health care providers in Q2 to Q3 2024 to help inform the development of those options prior to consideration by the Assembly."

Pictured: Health Minister Tom Binet said he will be reviewing the results and share his assessment on how to proceed as soon as he is able to.

In response to a written question from Deputy Geoff Southern about any proposed reforms for the Health Insurance Fund, Deputy Binet said: "Any options will clearly involve careful consideration of any potential changes to the Health Insurance Fund given its importance to Jersey’s health funding system and the need to invest in prevention, primary care and community-based services if we ensure the future sustainability of our health and care system, and protect the health and wellbeing of islanders."