Health service structure is flawed, claims report

THERE is something 'deeply amiss' with the structure of Guernsey's health service which causes 'unnecessary costs and a stressful working environment', the author of a controversial report has said.

After Health and Social Services immediately cast doubt on the report, which it commissioned to examine how it runs the hospital, its author launched a scathing attack in response.

Roger England dismissed HSSD's claims that the report had been compiled too quickly and was based on inaccurate data. 'It is a fact that HSSD does not have some data that it should have to be able to constantly monitor and evaluate its performance,' he said.

'This is not a matter of "a short timeframe for the review" but because some data is not generated by HSSD processes. Our study assisted in defining some of this and, at staff level, we received total cooperation and help in distilling what was available.'

The study, which concluded that between £6.2m. and £9.4m. could be saved by changing the way services are delivered, reached its verdict on the 'best data obtainable', he said.

'However, sufficient information is available to indicate that something is deeply amiss with the structure of the health service in Guernsey that is causing both unnecessary costs and a stressful working environment for front-line hospital staff.'