The Health Minister has expressed his “great disappointment” in the “poor” response to plans to give professionals a stronger voice in Jersey’s healthcare system.
In a message circulated to those working within the healthcare sector, Deputy Tom Binet urged staff to join a new Health Partnership Board designed to give non-government providers a direct say in decision-making.
Deputy Binet explained that he had reached out to healthcare providers to encourage them to either put their names forward to serve as a board member or register to vote for someone in their sector.
“Sadly, the response so far has been quite poor – which is a great disappointment, given the extent of the disquiet expressed to me so many times with regard to the problem we’re trying to solve,” he wrote.
The Health Partnership Board – which will include up to 10 “Community Partners” from across sectors such as nursing, pharmacy, home care and dentistry – was designed to ensure decisions about Jersey’s health service are made with input from those delivering care on the ground.
The government had previously undertaken a consultation process which, according to the Health Minister, showed a “real understanding” of the need to involve all parts of the healthcare system.
Deputy Binet urged those working across the health industry to engage before it is too late.
“It’s a great opportunity – and if we don’t make this work now, it could be some time before the opportunity arises again,” he warned.
The minister has now extended the nomination deadline from 23 March to 7 April in an attempt to boost participation.
Those selected will be expected to attend quarterly meetings, contribute to working groups and represent their sectors, with a time commitment of around 14 days a year, paid at £200 per day.
The board is chaired by Rosemarie Findlay, who Deputy Binet said is “exceptionally keen” to ensure the initiative succeeds.
