Plans to expand the health watchdog’s remit to include hospital, ambulance and mental health services could place additional pressure on already strained staff, doctors have warned.
The British Medical Association was writing to a panel of politicians that was formed to scrutinise changes to a law which will regulate Jersey’s health services.
The amendments to the Regulation of Care (Jersey) Law 2014 are due to expand the Jersey Care Commission’s remit to cover the hospital, ambulance, and government-provided mental health services.
But the British Medical Association raised concerns about “preparedness and resourcing for inspections”.
Without adequate staffing and infrastructure, inspections may exacerbate existing pressures
British Medical Association
The trade union wrote: “Internal correspondence reveals that delays in job planning and contract reform have already strained departments.
“Without adequate staffing and infrastructure, inspections may exacerbate existing pressures.”
The British Medical Association recommended phased implementation and support mechanisms to reduce disruption.
The Jersey Care Commission also raised concerns about its own financial future, warning that government cost-cutting initiatives could derail vital regulatory work.
Published in June, the Commission’s latest annual report said that its long-term financial sustainability “remains challenging” amid the government’s continued drive to make savings, and warned that insufficient funding could affect its ability to deliver “key initiatives”.
But the regulator said that it “continues to monitor this risk closely in the context of increasing demand”, and would “take steps to mitigate any potential impact” on its programme.
The British Medical Association also said that plans to shift liability for regulatory breaches from department chief officers to the relevant minister – with accountability sitting at government level – raise “concerns about clarity in governance and accountability”.
The body pointed to similar NHS England restructuring efforts, and warned against “fragmentation and loss of operational clarity”.
The association stressed the importance of “retaining expertise and ensuring that any reorganisation does not compromise service delivery or staff protections”.
Overall, the British Medical Association said that the draft law could improve transparency and accountability for staff, but “risks undermining existing contractual protections if not carefully aligned”.
It noted that “several emails and formal responses” highlight “gaps” between local policies and the contractual standards expected by the British Medical Association and the NHS – especially around sick pay, professional development, and job planning.
The union concluded: “Independent regulation could enhance public confidence, but only if it is backed by robust systems, adequate staffing, and alignment with national standards.
“The British Medical Association emphasises the need for systemic clarity and professional excellence to deliver high-quality care.”