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WQ.74/2025
WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES
BY DEPUTY J. RENOUF OF ST. BRELADE
QUESTION SUBMITTED ON MONDAY 24th FEBRUARY 2025
ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON MONDAY 3rd MARCH 2025
Question
"In relation to the hospital's treatment options for skin conditions, will the Minister provide an update on the purchase of a new phototherapy machine, including the cost and when he expects it to be operational, and detail the amount spent each year since 2019 on ciclosporin to treat skin conditions?"
Answer
The phototherapy service in Jersey was suspended in 2020 as elective activity was reduced during the COVID-19 pandemic. The equipment required to provide this service is over 25 years old and spare components are now no longer manufactured. As a result, the only viable option for reinstating the service is to invest in new equipment. Although two capital replacement bids have been submitted, neither has been successful as different, more vital equipment has had to be prioritised. This has prevented us from re-establishing the service. The replacement bid will continue to be re-visited as are opportunities to resource this service. A recent quote to inform the capital prioritisation process for a new machine was £70,000.
The amount spent on ciclosporin since 2019 for skin conditions is as below:
| 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | Total |
Ciclosporin | £9,377 | £12,765 | £12,504 | £8,476 | £7,604 | £9,504 | £60,230 |
It is important to note that the use of ciclosporin is indicated following individual patient assessment. Some of the annual revenue spend could be mitigated by utilisation of a machine.