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WQ.390/2020
WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR SOCIAL SECURITY
BY DEPUTY G.P. SOUTHERN OF ST. HELIER
ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 20th OCTOBER 2020
Question
Will the Minister state –
- what progress, if any, has been made towards reaching agreement over new contractual terms between her Department and G.P. representatives;
- the details of any measures she has under consideration to replace the Health Insurance Fund as the mechanism for funding primary care of the period of the proposed new Government Plan; and
- the extent to which the Minister for Health and Social Services has been kept informed of any progress on these matters?
Answer
The Deputy has not specifically identified which new contractual terms he is referring to, however following the meeting he and Deputy Alves had with myself and the Minister for Health and Social Services on 29 September 2020, he is aware that officers are currently discussing a new scheme which will reduce the cost of General Practice appointments for low income groups, and that this scheme will use a contractual mechanism.
- I am able to confirm that discussions regarding this contractual mechanism are on-going and progress is being made. The negotiations are covered by a qualified exemption under the Freedom of Information. As negotiations are underway, it is not appropriate to release any further details at this stage.
- The Government plan 2021-24 includes a commitment to undertake a review of funding for primary care, options and measures will emerge as this work is undertaken. The commitment reads:
We will undertake a full review over the next six months to determine an appropriate model for future health funding, with particular reference to the funding of primary care, incorporating the low income access scheme, and the extended primary care services envisaged within the Jersey Care
Model.
This review will commence in the near future.
- The Council of Ministers and individuals Ministers are and will be briefed on progress at appropriate intervals.