Health is reviewing elective medical procedures amid “considerable pressure” from government to deliver value-for-money – as the Minister reveals plans to ask for a “major increase” in funding for his department.
In a statement, Health Minister Tom Binet said his department is “currently reviewing numerous routine elective procedures and treatments that may be of limited clinical value or may not represent best use of the funds available”.
An elective procedure is a non-emergency medical procedure that is scheduled in advance.
The Minister also revealed that he will be asking the States Assembly to approve a “major increase” in funding for the health service across three areas: baseline funding, preventative healthcare, and digital development.
“In doing so, I’m aware that questions will be asked about how well we are spending the money that we already get,” said Deputy Binet. “And this is exactly as it should be.”
He explained that his department is under “considerable pressure” from Ministers to “do everything possible to deliver an efficient, value for money health service with their limited resources, at a time of sharply rising costs in all areas”.
Deputy Binet said elective procedures and treatments are being reviewed as part of this process.
“This work is ongoing, and the outcomes of the process will be made known as soon as the information is available,” he added.
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