Some elective medical procedures at risk under Health savings review

Friday, 8 August 2025 09:00

Some routine elective medical procedures and treatments in Jersey could be withdrawn as the Health department looks to make more savings.

The Health Minister has signalled that is on the cards, as well as asking fellow politicians this autumn to boost his budget.

In a statement, Tom Binet says a review is ongoing to find savings, because the department is under 'considerable pressure' to deliver value for money.

He says he will ask the States Assembly to agree to a 'major increase' in funding for the health service, including for preventative measures and digital developments.

But he is anticipating scrutiny of how well money is currently being spent, so officers are reviewing elective care deemed to bring little or no significant benefit to patients.

"As part of this process, they are currently reviewing numerous routine elective procedures and treatments that may be of limited clinical value or may not represent best use of the funds available. This work is ongoing, and the outcomes of the process will be made known as soon as the information is available."

Earlier this year, Deputy Binet told colleagues he was considering introducing charges for certain health services.

The minister says his team is under 'considerable pressure' to do everything possible to deliver value for money, against a backdrop of sharply rising costs.