Politicians vote to cure vulnerable patients’ GP access

Wednesday 05 February 2020

Jersey’s politicians have voted to improve access to GP care for vulnerable patients.

The proposition, brought by Reform Jersey’s Deputy Geoff Southern, got overwhelming support from the Assembly after a ‘compromise’ was reached between the backbencher and the Health Minister.

Adopted by 41 votes in favour and one abstention (from Assistant Chief Minister Deputy Scott Wickenden), Reform are now hailing the vote as “the first step on the way to delivering a primary care system which is free at the point of delivery”. 

The #StatesAssembly has voted to ADOPT Deputy Southern’s amended proposal to make changes to access to primary care in the island.
RESULT: 41 FOR vs. 0 AGAINST 1 ABSTENTION

— States Assembly (@StatesAssembly) February 4, 2020

It follows a recommendation from the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry when carrying out their review that the island should make GP appointments free for young people and vulnerable adults so that the cost doesn’t prevent them from seeking help. 

This proposition commits to “reducing financial barriers for patients who are financially, clinically or socially vulnerable” to access primary care.

Its scope was agreed upon between Deputy Southern – who had previously tried and failed to bring a similar bid to the Assembly – and Health Minister Deputy Richard Renouf. 

Pictured: Deputy Geoff Southern has finally got his GP cost proposition across the line. 

Deputy Southern previously told Express that the process of selecting which patients will be eligible for such a scheme will be entirely down to the Minister. 

Commenting on the vote, Deputy Southern said: “In all my 18 years in the States, the provision of free GP visits is the most important move we could make to improve the health and wellbeing of our population and I am proud to have seen this through.”