A “collaborative approach” to healthcare in the island has seen face-to-face GP appointments at the IMC increase by nearly 20% in the first half of this year, while “nursing blood tests has increased [by] 38%” in the same period.
Last year the IMC announced its intention to close in May due to staffing pressures but found a way to continue temporarily after an agreement was made with the Guernsey surgery Queens Road Medical Centre, who agreed to provide two doctors to work in rota with Dr Hamilton in Alderney.
The IMC was subsequently acquired by the States of Alderney in October 2022. It has since gone from strength to strength, with full staffing levels of GPs and nurses being achieved.
Healthcare at the IMC has been guided by the Alderney Care Board, a group that is working more broadly in developing healthcare in Alderney.
“We are seeing a very positive collaborative culture across Alderney’s health and care system including St John Ambulance, which has made such a positive start under a new contract, together with the hospital, the care home, the pharmacy, Age Concern and other voluntary sector representatives,” said Chairman of the Policy and Finance Committee, Nigel Vooght.
“This has clearly indicated the willingness of healthcare workers across Alderney to collectively develop new ways of working and ultimately deliver value for money.
“We look forward to the next steps in this integrated approach vision which PFC is convinced will deliver an enviable standard of health and social care involving all stakeholders working together collaboratively, with the added benefit of reducing costs.”