Monday 10 December 2018
Jersey and Guernsey officials have formalised plans to work together to deliver high-quality health and care services.
Members of the Channel Island Political Oversight Board, which is made up of senior politicians and officials from both islands, met today (Monday 10th) to discuss ways in which Jersey and Guernsey can work together to develop innovative health policies and commercial partnerships.
The collaboration is part of a wider plan to support ongoing cooperation between the two islands' public administrations, and to find and support new partnership opportunities to improve our public services and reduce costs to taxpayers.
Possible areas to explore in health and care services include mutual support where possible in delivering care, sharing clinical expertise and making savings through combined purchases.
Jersey's Chief Minister, Senator John Le Fondré, and Health Minister, Deputy Richard Renouf, met Guernsey's Chief Minister, Deputy Gavin St Pier, and President of the Committee for Health & Social Care, Deputy Heidi Soulsby. Senator John Le Fondré said that he hoped the joint venture would improve the health and wellbeing of islanders.
"It is important to collaborate with other Channel Islands to develop resilience, economies of scale and better value for money," he said. "We will work together to provide services which meet the needs of islanders, now and into the future. It is anticipated that this joined-up approach will reduce the administrative burden across the islands."
Deputy Renouf said: "There are many common challenges facing Jersey and Guernsey's health and care services so working in partnership will help us tackle these issues more efficiently. We're determined to improve our services and provide better value for money for our islanders."
Today a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed to formalise the islands' agreement to work together.
Deputy Heidi Soulsby, President of Guernsey's Committee for Health & Social Care said that the signing of this MOU demonstrates their commitment to working in partnership.
'We see great merit in working closely together which very much aligns to our new model of care, the Partnership of Purpose. We have been very clear on the value we attach to working in collaboration, as we're doing here with Jersey, and also with our community. We look forward to exploring every opportunity and the benefits that will bring to our service users.'
Deputy Gavin St Pier, Guernsey's Chief Minister added:
'Whether working in partnership means sharing skills and knowledge, increased buying power or together finding innovative ways of meeting the needs and expectations of our communities, this same principle can be applied across many areas of public service. We look forward to finding ways to work effectively together, not only in health and care services but in other areas.'
