Health services under review as shortfall looms

Non-emergency procedures that offer limited clinical value are potentially facing cuts

The Health Department in Jersey is reviewing its services in a bid to improve efficiency and reduce costs, Health Minister Deputy Tom Binet has said.

Non-emergency procedures which offer limited clinical value are potentially facing cuts as the department is expected to exceed its budget by £18m this year.

Binet said he would ask the States Assembly for a significant funding increase later in the year.

The proposed boost would target funding for Health and Care Jersey (HCJ), preventative care, and digital development.

"In doing so, I'm aware that questions will be asked about how well we are spending the money that we already get," said Binet. "And this is exactly as it should be."

"With that in mind, the team at HCJ has been under considerable pressure from the ministerial team to do everything possible to deliver an efficient, value for money health service with their limited resources, at a time of sharply rising costs in all areas."

He said the team at HCJ were reviewing a number of routine elective procedures and treatments which may not represent "best use of the funds available".

"This work is ongoing, and the outcomes of the process will be made known as soon as the information is available," he said.