ISLANDERS could end up paying “more for less”, a senior scrutineer has said after it emerged that some routine elective procedures and treatments are being reviewed amid rising costs.
Deputy Jonathan Renouf, vice-chair of the Health and Social Security Scrutiny Panel, said that the Island is facing a “tough but necessary” conversation about the future of its health service.
He was reacting to comments made by Health Minister Tom Binet, who revealed that numerous routine elective procedures and treatments – that “may be of limited clinical value” or “may not represent best use of the funds available” – were being reviewed.
Deputy Binet also said he would be asking the States Assembly to sanction a “major increase” in funding for the health service, citing pressure to deliver an “efficient, value for money health service” at a time of “sharply rising costs in all areas”.
Deputy Renouf said: “This is going to trigger a tough but necessary conversation about what kind of health service we want and how we are going to pay for it.”
He added: “It also raises some questions about health inequalities – could we end up with a two tier service?”
Chair of the Panel, Deputy Louise Doublet, said that Deputy Binet had “made it clear for some time” that there would need to be a new approach to health funding.
“This is not a complete surprise,” she said.
“However it may be worrying to those who have been on waiting lists for some time and I would like the minister to consider how Islanders can be reassured and any undue suffering avoided.”
Deputy Doublet added: “I’d also like the minister to follow the recent move from the NHS to analyse the waiting lists and perform equality impact assessments, to fully understand the impacts of any delays on certain sectors of our population such as women, the elderly, those living on lower incomes, and ethnic minorities.”
Retired consultant gastroenterologist Dr David Ng noted the reality of healthcare being “very expensive”.
“With our ageing demographic, the demand is going to be increasing,” he added.
“There’s no surprise that something’s got to give.”
