States appoint new ‘patient representative’

Thursday 31 January 2019

The States have appointed a new ‘patient representative’, it has been announced.

Having been Acting Group Medical Director since August last year, John McInerney has got the permanent role after being an employee of the States of Jersey for over five years.

Mr McInerney was first employed with the States in October 2013 as a Consultant in Emergency Medicine before he became Clinical Director of the Jersey Ambulance Service in 2016 and subsequently Clinical Director for Emergency Care in 2017.

According to the official job description under the States’ new 'Target Operating Model,' the Group Medical Director “is a member of the Health and Community Services Board, responsible for representing the patient at the highest level of the organisation. They have shared responsibility for strategic, governance, quality, productivity and operational decisions.” 

Pictured: The senior appointment in the Health Department was announced this week.

The new Group Medical Director has previously worked in the UK, Australia and Ireland.

Commenting on the appointment, States Chief Executive Charlie Parker said: “John’s proven experience, with strong connections already across Health and Community Services, is a great asset to Jersey… 

“I’m pleased that an internal candidate has filled this role. He was rigorously assessed against other applicants as part of the interview process and is a great example of the high calibre of employees that we have in our workforce.” 

Pictured: The States' Chief Executive, Charlie Parker, said he's "pleased that an internal candidate has filled" the role of Group Medical Director.

Dr James Mair, a local GP and member of the Primary Care Panel, who interviewed candidates for the role, said: “John brings to this appointment a wealth of clinical and managerial experience from his time spent in the UK, Ireland and Australia, and his time in Jersey. He has the drive, wisdom and collaborative approach that will draw policy makers and care professionals together at this pivotal time for health and social care in the island.”

The States say that the recruitment process involved “a combination of face-to-face interviews and extensive and evidence-based technical and psychometric assessments."