A model that allows Jersey doctors to split their time between public and private patients has been described by the Health Minister as a “real dilemma” that is contributing to “unacceptable” waiting times.

Speaking to Express, Deputy Tom Binet said the waiting lists are “not acceptable”.

“The more private work you do, the less public work you do”

When asked about the island’s consultant model, where doctors can split their time between public and private patients, the minister explained: “The more private work you do, the more money you get in.

“But the more private work you do, the less public work you do – and waiting lists get worse.”

Deputy Binet later clarified that consultants had been asked by the leadership team – with his endorsement – to carry out “slightly more private work with a corresponding reduction in public work” in an attempt to “help reduce the deficit in the health budget”. 

He described this as a “dilemma”.

Consequently, he said tackling waiting lists would be “top of the agenda” in the programme of work for next year, including discussions with department heads about setting realistic targets, improving efficiency and, if necessary, changing how internal resources were allocated.

“A year and two-year waiting list is not acceptable,” he said. “We have to understand that.”

Which are the worst waiting lists?

Newly published data shows that some of Jersey’s longest waits now extend beyond a year.

In gastroenterology, some patients are waiting more than 17 months for a routine appointment.

The neurology, endocrinology and ear, nose and throat departments also recorded delays of more than a year for some patients.

According to the data, some patients are now waiting up to 18 months for general surgery, around 16 months in orthopaedics, up to 13 months in paediatric services and close to nine months for elective gastroenterology procedures.

Dermatology’s longest waits are around eight months, while ophthalmology has delays approaching a year, and some islanders are waiting up to nine months for community dental services.