The Government of Jersey is seeking your views on the development of a new public health law for Jersey, to replace the current ‘Loi (1934) sur la Santé Publique’.
Sometimes Jersey’s Government has a skill of publicising something in almost-stealth mode. It seems that many islanders missed the announcement of 15th June, that a proposed new public health law is in development.
The online consultation describes proposals related to the possible future scope and function of a new law and how it may be used to positively impact improvements to public health in the Island.
The States of Jersey website says that the consultation outlines how the law could be used to:
- better respond to public health risks from both long-term conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, and outbreaks of infectious diseases such as tuberculosis
- prepare for and manage future epidemics or pandemics
- help address health inequalities
- influence wider social factors affecting health, such as housing and education
The main focus of the proposal appears to be based on the Government’s experience of dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic. By changing the law, it will make it easier to make decisions and impose orders if there are pandemic type circumstances in the future. We know that during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, some important decisions were delayed and could not be taken until legislation was passed.
In particular, sections 34 to 39 of the proposal address the area of legislation and emergency powers, albeit at a very high level.
Here are the pertinent links regarding the proposed changes:
- Original announcement
- Outline of the proposed changes to the Public Health Law
- Invitation to have your say on the consultation
Make sure you take the opportunity to have your say in this important subject by 30th July.
The Minister for Health and Social Services, Deputy Richard Renouf, said: “This consultation describes the role law can have in helping to address current and future public health challenges. It’s an opportunity for people to offer their thoughts and opinions on proposals which aim to modernise Jersey’s approach to public health and better enable services to protect and improve the quality of life of Islanders.
