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2019.09.10
15 Deputy K.G. Pamplin of the Minister for Health and Social Services regarding
engagement with the Island's G.P. practices in relation to patient charges: (OQ.210/2019)
Will the Minister advise what work, if any, is underway to engage with the Island's G.P. (general practitioner) practices in relation to patient charges, for instance to encourage consideration of establishing standard charges, or the development of guidance, so that there is clarity for patients on the basis on which charges are issued?
The Deputy of St. Ouen (The Minister for Health and Social Services):
In answer to the Deputy , we have been very active this year engaging with G.P.s on funding issues. The Minister for Social Security and I and our respective ministerial teams have taken part in a series of meetings with primary care practitioners, including G.P.s, during which these issues and many others have been discussed. Officers from Health and Community Services also have regular discussions with the Primary Care Board, being the committee of G.P.s elected by their colleagues. In addition, officers have met with the majority of G.P. practices individually to discuss a new model of care for Jersey. So, in all this, we have made sure we are talking to doctors about what they see as front line practitioners and where, from their perspective, there are gaps in provisions and improvements to be made and all those discussions do include discussions around charging arrangements.
3.15.1 Deputy K.G. Pamplin:
I thank the Minister for his answer. Does that also include looking at the future of the night-time doctor service, which was reported as early in this year as April that, and I quote: "Could be scrapped" unless the option of increasing what is already £150 to £170 or additional funding, any improvements on the service there and the future of it?
The Deputy of St. Ouen :
Yes. That service is continuing while discussions are ongoing and it remains the case that discussions are ongoing and are perhaps more fruitful than the earlier indications about withdrawal of the service. We are certainly hopeful that we will be able to continue provision of emergency service at night, maybe not exactly as it has been done in the past, but certainly there should be some service provided.