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3.13 Deputy M. Tadier of the Chairman of the Health, Social Security and Housing Scrutiny Panel regarding a review of the Minister's proposed action to address clinical waiting times:
Will the chairman advise if the panel has reviewed or intends to review the Minister's proposed action to address clinical waiting times, including those for mental health-related issues?
Deputy J.A. Hilton (Vice Chairman, Health, Social Security and Housing Scrutiny Panel - rapporteur):
The Health, Social Security and Housing Panel has not reviewed clinical waiting times, including those with mental health-related issues. Once our current review of the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service has been completed, we intend to review the Regulation of Care Law. This will run alongside our other review regarding the design of Health and Social Services, which includes the proposed hospital redevelopment, a sustainable funding mechanism for primary care and additional services which were agreed in October 2012 for delivery in the community. Therefore, unfortunately, we cannot commit to reviewing clinical waiting times in the future.
3.13.1 Deputy M. Tadier :
I appreciate that the Scrutiny Panel is very busy as usual and, therefore, my standing offer to join them remains. Nonetheless, I would ask if they are satisfied more so with the Minister's progress on clinical waiting times. Again, we have seen this week some headlines in that regard. Is she and the panel satisfied that the Minister is taking effective action to reduce these waiting times?
Deputy J.A. Hilton:
As I said in my previous answer to a question, I welcome the additional staff being provided by the Health Department which was agreed in October 2012. I am disappointed that it has taken almost 2 years to deliver those additional staff. Also, the Minister for Health and Social Services confirmed this morning that the mental health review would be completed by the end of 2014 so I am heartened by that. Certainly, the Scrutiny Panel will continue to question the Minister in public hearings to ensure that this does happen in a timely fashion.