Guernsey and Jersey health authorities have pledged to explore options for more joint working via the creation of the Channel Island Alliance for Health and Social Care.
The primary purpose of the alliance is to provide a forum for collaboration and partnership on the design and development of health and social care services across the sector, where innovation and transformational change is required.
The guiding principles for the alliance are:
- Taking a ‘whole system’ approach to make health and social care services more integrated and resilient across Jersey and Guernsey.
- Focusing on opportunities for joint working and collaboration for the benefit of both jurisdictions.
- Enabling health and social care service developments that are affordable, sustainable and deliver the best outcomes for both communities.
The alliance will play a key role in making recommendations to the respective political bodies in both islands on opportunities for greater collaboration and mutual benefit in providing affordable and sustainable health and social care delivery.
It will also consider how health and social care is integrated to ensure the highest quality outcomes are achieved within the resources available, but that equity of access is achieved.
The alliance, which includes senior staff from both islands, will meet six times a year and report to their respective political leaders quarterly. It will identify core areas of focus to develop each year, based on, but not limited to the themes of:
- Professional Liaison & Operational Mutual Support
- Operational Delivery
- Procurement Resource Management
- Recruitment
- Shared learning and education.
Deputy Al Brouard, President of the Committee for Health & Social Care in Guernsey, said: “Both Guernsey and Jersey share many of the same challenges in terms of the delivery of health and social care both now and in the future. Whether it is recruiting and retaining the staff we need to deliver vital services, having enough suitable accommodation for those essential staff, or ensuring we have the bandwidth to deliver the increased services our ageing demographics need.
“Where there is the potential to work together both islands’ health authorities are committing to do so. While the alliance has only just been created so is yet to bear fruit, it is my hope and expectation that it will lead to long-term benefits for both islands.”
Deputy Tom Binet (pictured), Minister for Health and Social Services in Jersey, said: “It is becoming increasingly important for our islands to share resources and information that will strengthen the sustainability of our health and social care services and provide greater value for money. There are many avenues to explore in this arena and although it is early days, I look forward to working closely with Guernsey and developing a clear direction forward.”
