FAMILY doctors have called for “absolute transparency and clear communication” from the Health Department over a new policy that will evaluate whether patients can receive certain treatment using public funds.
Health Minister Tom Binet unveiled plans earlier this week of a new prioritisation policy that would see an expert panel making decisions around the benefits and value-for-money, one of a number of moves to tackle an ongoing funding crisis in his department.
Following the announcement, Health and Social Security Scrutiny Panel chair Deputy Louise Doublet expressed concern about increasing inequities affecting some Islanders and longer waits for treatment, and now the Primary Care Body representing Jersey GPs has added its feedback.
PCB representative Dr Maitiú O’Tuathail said: “It is critical that there is absolute transparency and clear communication with patients from the start.
“GPs will continue to advocate for what is in our patients’ best interests whilst working within the political parameters that are set out for the health service.
Dr O’Tuathail added: “We hope that the views of both patients and GPs are considered once the panel of experts is convened, and that engagement is both collaborative and patient-centred throughout.”
The removal of varicose veins for cosmetic reasons and taking out tonsils are examples of areas where treatment may no longer be free, according to deputy medical director Dr John McInerney.
He said: “No one who’s got a treatment planned or is on a waiting list will see any change, but going forwards we’ve got a policy that will make it more transparent to both patients and GPs what treatments are funded.
“It gives the GP and patients a bit more understanding what our health system will fund, and it makes it much more easier for everyone to plan.”
