Minister Supports Independent Health Inspections

The Health Minister says he will make it a priority to bring forward the means necessary to have independent inspections of government-run health facilities, including in the hospital.

More than 1400 people have signed a petition asking for the Care Quality Commission to review the likes of the hospital, Overdale, and Orchard House.

Petition author Jean Lelliott says partial inspections of a few departments are not good enough - and the people of Jersey deserve to know that they're getting the best services available.

"The inspection should extend to care in the community.

The Jersey General Hospital may be operating in an unsafe environment and has not been fully independently inspected for very many years.

This is contrary to anything which would be allowed in the UK or most places in the world."

While there have been independent inspections of care homes, theatre, mental health, and maternity services over the last four years, full inspections of all medical services at one time haven't happened.

Deputy Richard Renouf says the law needs to be updated to allow that.

"That has not yet happened because plans agreed in 2019 prioritised independent inspections of both children's adult and social work and mental health services by the Jersey Care Commission.

However, I'm currently consulting (with) the Council of Ministers and the (Jersey Care) Commission about an alternative approach, which would include bringing forward the necessary regulation to allow for independent regulation by the Commission under the Regulation of Care Law ahead of schedule in 2024.

Also, as an interim measure, in partnership with the Commission, undertaking an independent survey during the course of this year to allow us to better understand our patients' experience of our services."

There has been criticism of the quality of care in the hospital, with stroke survivors, their families, and some politicians speaking out against the rehab services delivered in Plemont Ward.

They were moved there from Samares Ward at Overdale. The States Assembly voted last month to reinstate the full suite of rehab facilities there, or somewhere else suitable.

The number of complaints made to the hospital also increased last year, but the Health Minister insists it should not be seen as a negative.

Deputy Renouf says inspections are always positive and need to be taken in all modern healthcare systems.

"This is going to be brought forward as rapidly as we can.

It requires the cooperation of many bodies - the Care Commission, the Treasury, the Council of Ministers - and all that will be worked on."