Deputy Gavin St Pier has published questions online he intends to ask the President of Health & Social Care, Deputy George Oswald in next week’s States debate.
Deputy St Pier’s questions look to probe plans for rebuilding public confidence and quashing any fears of repercussions amongst families who interact with the HSC and its services.
Deputy St Pier has been embroiled in a controversial push and pull with Health Services in the island, notably the MSG.
Most recently it’s seen him be saved from a 25 day, un-paid suspension thanks to a vote of confidence from his colleagues.
That was due to a code of conduct complaint, which rested on whether or not Deputy St Pier had leaked information to a Guardian Journalist.
Following the “Contre” vote, the Independent Commissioner for Standards, who’d reviewed the case and recommended a suspension for the member of Policy and Resources, resigned.
Just six days after escaping suspension, both he and his wife, Jane St Pier, were arrested before being released without charge, with the pair denying allegations of harassment – saying they “unequivocally deny any wrongdoing”.
In next week’s States debate his questions will feature a shared letter on the “terror” that local families fighting against the MSG and HSC are now feeling following that arrest, as well as any and all plans for rebuilding public confidence, and reviewing the complaint process and policy for both the MSG and HSC.
You can read his questions in full below.
Speaking with the Express, Deputy St Pier said: “I’m hoping that the responses next week will provide the States of Deliberation and the community with a clear sense that HSC have recognised the scale and urgency of the response needed to deliver systemic and cultural change.”
When asked if oral questions were the best route, he added: “I am considering some Rule 14 written questions too for those related matters where the responses are likely to be more detailed.”
St Pier’s questions for HSC President:
1. “In an email sent to the Chief Executive and Head of the Public Service last week, copied to me and shared with permission, one family wrote:
“My plan…had been to request a meeting with you.. Sadly, events of last week make me feel like I am not necessarily safe to do that, for fear of being accused of harassment… However, with the events of last week, most families feel renewed terror about speaking out. I do not exaggerate when I use the word ‘terror’. Those of us who already feel exposed and unsafe in the system feel even more so.”
Does the President agree that urgent action is required to build public confidence and faith in States regulatory, governance and complaints processes and to remove any fear or repercussion for those engaging with them?”
2. What steps has or is the Committee taking to review the joint HSC/MSG complaints policy and processes?
3. Has or will the Committee commission an independent inquiry or review into historic cases?
More to follow…