A positive start for HSC

A few weeks ago this column sought to test the political bravery of the new man at the helm of the Health & Social Care Committee.

George Oswald is a new States member and health professional, and he sat as a non-voting member on the previous health board which generally seemed to avoid doing anything much bar keep the hospital running. So it wasn’t a promising start.

But in a major interview published today in this newspaper and on our podcast feeds, Deputy Oswald and his board have demonstrated considerable political courage. They’re tackling some sacred political cows which, while they may not be universally popular, desperately need addressing if the cost of healthcare is not to spiral completely out of control.

Means-testing looks likely to come into play. The hard-working generation that built Guernsey into the thriving community it has become understandably wants to preserve the wealth it gained for itself and pass it on.

But that value is eroded if today’s generation is paying for health and care through taxation that could be met by some of the capital assets of those receiving the care.

There’s a balance to be struck here, most critically for those who saved for their future who don’t want to feel ripped off alongside their feckless neighbours. But these moves are a start.