Plan to double income from private healthcare

The new strategy is aimed at doubling the Heath and Community Services' budget by 2028

Jersey's health officials are planning to double the amount of money received from private patients over the next five years.

Private patients contributed £12.2m to Health and Community Services (HCS) in 2023, about 5% of its budget, the HCS said.

A new strategy has set out how this can increase to £18.8m a year by the end of 2026 and £24m by the end of 2028.

Deputy Tom Binet said the increased funding would benefit all islanders.

'Benefit of all'

He said: "The strategy signals a commitment to expand the choice of service provision to islanders by enhancing the private healthcare offer, attracting skilled professionals to Jersey and increasing income to be used for the benefit of all islanders."

Chris Bown, the HCS's chief officer, said income from private patients was "crucial" in helping fund services for residents though state health insurance.

He said: "Every pound earned from patients with health insurance, or who are willing to self-fund their treatment and care, goes back into supporting state healthcare services for those without insurance or the means to pay – and reduces the burden on island taxation and state funding."