Three former health leaders to go before panel

Three former leaders are due to give evidence to a health scrutiny panel

Three former senior health officials - including two who resigned - are due to be questioned by backbench Jersey politicians on how the island's health service could be improved.

Tom Hayhoe stepped down as chairman of the Health and Community Services (HCS) Advisory Board in April 2024.

Also due to give evidence are Simon Mackenzie, who resigned in May 2024 as clinical lead of the HCS Change Team and Dr Hugo Mascie-Taylor, former interim chair of the HCS Advisory Board.

The Government of Jersey said the aim of the Health and Social Security Panel hearings on Wednesday was to "listen to their experiences" and note "lessons learnt" to improve the service.

Tom Hayhoe was among those to resign

It said the hearings would not be discussing any "individual employment matters".

Mr Hayhoe left after just one meeting, with health minister Deputy Tom Binet citing "differences in working styles".

The independent board, which oversees the work of Jersey's health department, would remain without a permanent chairperson for the next year, health minister Mr Binet said at the time.

Simon Mackenzie resigned as clinical lead of the HSC Expert Change Team.

Of Mr Mackenzie's resignation, Mr Binet, said at the time: “I understand that in parting, the professor has used his resignation letter to claim he was not being personally supported.

"This is not an accurate reflection of the facts.”

Dr Hugo Mascie-Taylor, former interim chair of the HCS Advisory Board, completed a fixed-term contract before leaving.

In June 2024, the Jersey Appointments Commission, an independent body that oversees appointments to top jobs, said in its annual report there had been an "increased desire for political involvement" in its recommendations - especially the Health and Community Services Advisory Board.