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WQ.59/2022
WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR SOCIAL SECURITY BY DEPUTY G.P. SOUTHERN OF ST. HELIER
QUESTION SUBMITTED ON MONDAY 14th FEBRUARY 2022 ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON MONDAY 21st FEBRUARY 2022
Question
"In light of the Island's reliance on G.P.s for the delivery of primary care in the community, the fact that some major practices are closing their lists to new patients and the retirements within the sector are in the pipeline, will the Minister –
- state what conversations, if any, she has had with G.P. representatives regarding improvements for the delivery of primary care in 2023 and 2024, including improving access to affordable primary care, and the maintenance of the high standards that have been reached in the past;
- if such discussions have taken place, advise what progress has been made; and
- if there have been no such discussions, commit to engaging with G.P. representatives in the near future on this subject and to report progress to the States?"
Answer
- I last met with GPs jointly with the Minister for Health and Social Services and the Chief Minister on 20 December 2021. My officers continue to meet regularly with GP representatives and a series of meetings has already been programmed for the rest of the year. Recent discussions have included the renewal of the Health Access Scheme which provides affordable access to General Practice Services. Under this scheme the cost of a surgery visit is reduced to £12 for adults and surgery consultations are free for children who are scheme members. Discussions have also included the renewal of the Jersey Quality Indicator Framework (JQIF) which supports the development of high clinical standards in a range of key areas, which are mutually agreed between Government and General Practice representatives.
- These discussions have progressed well and on 7th February we agreed the renewal of the Health
Access Scheme through 2022 and into 2023. The fees charged to patients will not be increased during this renewal period. Progress has also been made regarding the JQIF service, with agreement reached on the clinical indicators
- As provided above, progress in each of these areas has been made. I offer my thanks to General Practice for their assistance and commitment in developing these services to improve quality and access.