2020 vision is a model of clarity
In the Billet d'Etat today, Health and Social Services sets out its 2020 vision of the health and social services system for the island in a comprehensive and tightly-written document that is almost alarming in the extent and scope of the issues it identifies.
In the Billet d'Etat today, Health and Social Services sets out its 2020 vision of the health and social services system for the island in a comprehensive and tightly-written document that is almost alarming in the extent and scope of the issues it identifies.
Its central message is stark: 'In summary, it is very clear that the current model of health and social care cannot be sustained.'
The reasons for that are complex and varied but hinge on cost, demographics, the way the current system has evolved over the years and the need to switch from simply treating people with health issues to putting the emphasis on preventing them from becoming ill in the first place.
The island's rapidly ageing population also means that enabling individuals to remain at home longer, even to the point of death, is better than the loss of independence and cost implicit in moving into care.
The report, which will be debated at the end of next month, draws together for the first time the disparate elements that make up health and social care in Guernsey, including the charitable agencies, and highlights the inevitable inefficiencies and inconsistencies in such a system.
It also puts an approximate cost on it – around £300m., with the States paying some 60% – and asks whether full value is derived from that, how quality is monitored and whether there is a better way of doing things.
Because HSSD has identified that there is, the document is particularly challenging to the current order and accepted norms, even down to asking whether the States should directly employ all the GPs, specialists and care workers it needs, effectively replacing the Medical Specialist Group and the private medical practices.
That is only one of a number of options but it indicates the breadth of the 2020 vision and the need to pull together a new, fully integrated health and care system focused on specific objectives and tailored to current and future needs.
HSSD has produced an impressive and achievable plan that will require government and community support to make happen.
If implemented, however, it will show that the States can actually do joined up.
