Minister looking again at patient travel costs to UK

Jersey's health minister says he will consider whether "UK travel should continue to be paid for all patients in all circumstances".

Senator Tom Binet was responding to a call from the Jersey Health Advisory Board to see if travel costs could be cut.

Carolyn Downs, a non-executive director of the board described current provision as "very generous".

Jersey Cancer Relief said treatment can be "an emotional time" and maintaining support, such as being able to take a family member with you, is vital.

Binet had previously abandoned plans to charge wealthy patients for their travel costs to the UK, citing "the amount of angst" the proposals caused.

However, following a meeting of the board that oversees the island's health service in August, he has confirmed that he is looking again at travel costs.

During an exchange about government efforts to make savings in re-negotiations with travel providers, senior board member Carolyn Downs called for a wider re-think of support provided to islanders.

"What about the very generous offer that we make?", she asked.

Making reference to relatives being able to travel in some circumstances, she said: "I think we need some recommendations to cut those costs.

"Given our financial position, we really do need to look at it."

The commercial and private patients lead for health, Philip Houseden, told the Health Board meeting the average cost of care per patient in the UK was £4,600 while travel and accommodation was £1,200.

A total of 3,220 patients went to the UK for care last year amounting to an overall spend of £19m.

The amount of support varies from patient to patient, but it can include flights, accommodation, and in some cases, a relative or friend to go with them.

Lorna Priozzolo the founder of website Cancer JE said from what she had heard, "the packages aren't generous at all".

She suggested that "sometimes there is a lack of understanding that people, even relatively well people, going for radiotherapy do need someone with them".

She said: "The costs of accommodation and food pale into insignificance when compared with money that has been wasted by government over the years.

"The blame for costs is being put on people who are dealing with some of the worst times of their lives instead of those leading the island."

In response, Binet said the health budget was under "growing pressure due to increasing demand and costs" and it was "essential that resources are used in the most effective way to support the health of islanders".

"In light of the board's recommendation, and in conjunction with the Council of Ministers, I will consider whether UK travel should continue to be paid for all patients in all circumstances," he said.

Sean Le Scelleur had a heart attack while cycling in April last year and was sent to Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital, where he spent four weeks, following a quadruple heart bypass.

He had to pay more than £6,000 to have his family with him whilst he was away, as he didn't meet the criteria for their travel to be covered.

He said, while the ICU and emergency department staff were amazing, it was important to have his family with him.

He said: "Decisions are taken with medical staff which... you're not really in the best position to take all the information in and you do need someone there with you."

He believes all patients travelling to the UK should be able to take a family member with them, and travel costs shouldn't fall on charities.

Jersey Cancer Relief is one of those that provides financial support to patients needing care off island.

Chair, Anne Pryke, said she was surprised travel costs were being reviewed.

She said travelling to Southampton or London "especially for cancer treatment, is an emotional time".

She said it was vital patients had someone they know with them.

Earlier this week, Jersey's government proposed to increase the overall health budget to £406m in 2027, up from £381m in 2026.

Senator Alan Maclean Treasury Minister said it was important health delivers "value for money".

He said: "The health service and those that work in it deliver a fantastic service. But it's at a price and we need to make sure that price is the right price."

With demand increasing, ministers are looking at a range of options to fund health in future, including charges.

In a scrutiny hearing, health policy director Ruth Johnson said there was a "live and active" conversation being had about those options, and they would be ready for consideration in "early 2027".

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