‘Guernsey would explore benefits of a radiotherapy unit in Jersey’

‘If Jersey were to develop their on-island capacity in this area then we would of course explore potential opportunities,’ said Guernsey’s medical director Peter Rabey.

Guernsey residents currently have to travel to Southampton to receive the treatment, and strong links with the hospital there would factor in Guernsey’s decision to make use of a unit in Jersey.

‘It is important to recognise that we currently have very strong links with Southampton clinicians that our oncology team rely on. Those relationships benefit patients so the potential loss of those links would be a big consideration,’ said Dr Rabey.

‘We would also need to carefully consider the need to replicate wider infrastructure, for example accommodation, dedicated nurse input and other off-island arrangements which are all in place in Southampton.’

For patients requiring treatment in Southampton, Health & Social Care in Guernsey will authorise costs of overnight accommodation at Jury’s Inn which is near to the hospital.

The initial proposal was submitted by Jersey politician Deputy Montfort Tadier, who referred to difficulties faced by islanders who have had to travel to the UK for radiotherapy treatment in his proposal.

One Jersey resident, who created a petition campaigning for the introduction of a radiotherapy unit in the island, has so far received over 3,000 signatures.

The proposal is due to be debated in Jersey’s States on 18 January.