New universal charges for emergency treatment

Patients will now pay the same price regardless of what time they visit the Emergency Department

Changes to Emergency Department (ED) charges in Guernsey will mean patients will be charged the same no matter the time or day of the week they seek help.

Currently charges for those attending ED at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital are as low as £70 on a weekday and as much as £190 when visiting overnight.

The fixed fee of £25 for those under 18 being treated at ED is not changing.

The changes mean an adult who is assessed and given advice or minor treatment will pay £100 but more complex treatment could require a capped payment of up to £250.

The Committee for Health & Social Care (HSC) said the new charges, which come in from 1 October, would "remove the risk of people in need of care avoiding attending the ED during certain times of the day or week".

According to the States' website, advice or minor treatment includes checking temperature, blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen levels.

It can also include things like cleaning a wound or applying a simple dressing to a wound.

More complex treatment can include a scan, X-ray, blood tests, stitches or if intravenous pain relief is required.

HSC also said anyone undergoing active cancer treatment would remain exempt from any charges after working with the Guernsey Cancer Alliance (GCA).

And under reciprocal health agreements, visitors from Jersey and the UK would be exempt from any charges.