The Jersey Care Commission’s remit is expected to expand in 2025 to include regulating the hospital, ambulance and Government of Jersey provided mental health services.
This results from a Government of Jersey consultation on draft amendments to the Regulation of Care (Jersey) Law 2014 which aims to standardise and further support a safe and regulated care sector on the Island.
For existing providers who are already registered with the Commission, there will be no change to how these providers are registered, inspected, or interact with the Commission.
For services that will be part of the new inspection process, the single assessment framework (Standards) will be published beginning of 2025. These outline what people should expect from the care they receive, set out what providers of care services must do to meet the expectations of people who use care services and requirements under the Law, and provide a structure that can be used to inspect the care provided. This proposed change will enable the Commission to provide independent assurance, promote best practices and improve health and social care outcomes for the people of Jersey.
Developing the single assessment framework and Standards
The Commission has been working closely with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and other third-party organisations to benefit from their expertise in developing the Standards for Jersey.
Because of the specialist nature of the care provided by the ambulance, hospital and mental health services, the Commission has developed a core set of Standards (called the single assessment framework) which will apply to all providers impacted by this change. In addition to the core Standards, services will also fall under service specific requirements. For example paediatrics, mental health, emergency department, maternity etc.
The single assessment framework has been developed alongside the best practice expertise of qualified healthcare professionals in Jersey, as well as UK based agencies such as the CQC to ensure the Commission’s Standards are in line with UK best practices as well as ensuring they are fit for purpose for a Jersey specific environment.
Public consultation
A public consultation of the proposed new single assessment framework will take place between 15 April and 31 May 2024. During this time new providers impacted by this change, existing providers and members of the public will be able to respond and share their feedback on the proposed regulation. Once the consultation has closed, all feedback will be reviewed, and any required updates will be made to the single assessment framework.
All Islanders are encouraged to review the draft Standards and feedback can be shared via the survey on the Commission’s website. In addition, if you are a new provider impacted by this proposed regulation, the Commission will be engaging with you directly to seek your feedback in relation to the service specific requirements as part of the consultation process following this public consultation.
The Commission will also be hosting several events in May where you can find out more about the proposed Standards. Further details can be found here for the event on 8th May and 23rd May.
