A REVIEW could be launched into proposals by the Health Minister to change the way health services are overseen in the Island – including looking at the scope of two health boards and what powers they have to hold the department to account.
Deputy Tom Binet this week announced plans to continue arrangements for the Health and Community Services Advisory Board, which was formed early last year on an interim basis to scrutinise the Health Department.
Deputy Binet is also asking States Members to back new proposals for a separate Health and Care Jersey Partnership Board, which would make recommendations to the minister, who will ultimately have the final say.
The Health Minister wants the Advisory Board – which he said had been “exceptionally effective” – to continue as a non-statutory body and for the Partnership Board to be established as a non-statutory body, meaning they do not have legal powers. He has argued that maintaining this approach limits additional costs and allows the boards to be more flexible.
Health and Social Security Scrutiny Panel chair Deputy Louise Doublet said they had been briefed regarding Deputy Binet’s plans.
Deputy Doublet said her panel would be discussing “next steps” at a meeting next week, which she added “may include launching a review of these proposals, which could take into account the scope of the board and what powers and responsibilities it has”.
When the Advisory Board was first set up two years ago, then-Health Minister Karen Wilson said legislation could be developed to “establish the interim board in law”. Doing so would give the board “formal fiduciary duties and powers to hold the department to account, issue directions and allocate resources,” she said in her proposal.
The Partnership Board would aim to coordinate care by bringing together government and non-government service providers – including GPs, care homes and third-sector organisations.
