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2.7 Deputy R.G. Le Hérissier of the Minister for Health and Social Services regarding vale for money in respect of nursing care purchased from the private sector:
Would the Minister state whether his department is receiving value for money in respect of nursing care purchased from the private sector?
Senator B.E. Shenton (The Minister for Health and Social Services):
I am content that my department is obtaining value for money from private sector nursing care. The Health and Social Services Department purchases a wide variety of services from the private and charitable sectors. The officers, some of whom are health and social care professionals in their own right, understand the market very well and apply their expertise accordingly. However, this is not just about value for money; it is about maintaining standards and raising standards and ensuring that our elderly are nursed with quality and dignity.
- Deputy R.G. Le Hérissier:
Could the Minister tell us how the measurement of value for money is carried out within his department?
Senator B.E. Shenton:
At the moment we use a process of benchmarking against what is available. However, we are working towards, in conjunction with the Social Security Department and the Jersey Care Federation, a more transparent means of purchasing which links fees to the dependency of the individual residents and clients.
- Deputy R.G. Le Hérissier:
Could the Minister inform us whether the rates currently being paid to private providers for nursing care match the rates, bearing in mind the cost of living variations, charged by these providers in other comparable jurisdictions?
Senator B.E. Shenton:
I am content that they do match the rates but you also have to bear in mind there is a differential in the quality of services. What we are trying to do is raise the bar in all nursing care.
- Deputy A.E. Pryke of Trinity :
Could the Minister say how many patients are being funded in the private sector and how many patients are still in McKinstry Ward awaiting relocation in nursing care?
Senator B.E. Shenton:
I do not have those figures with me today but I will happily get back to the Deputy with them.
- Deputy R.G. Le Hérissier:
Could the Minister state the cost per week to retain people in private care and how much this compares to the cost per week within his own facilities?
Senator B.E. Shenton:
I assume the Deputy would like the figures on a per head basis rather than a gross figure and again, I can get back to him with those figures.
Deputy R.G. Le Hérissier:
Can that information be sent to all States Members?
Senator B.E. Shenton:
There will be no problem with doing that.