Health, Childcare and PFAS Pollution Dominate Election Concerns in Jersey District

Healthcare pressures, childcare costs and environmental pollution are emerging as key concerns for voters in Jersey’s St Ouen, St Peter and St Mary district ahead of next month’s election.

Residents speaking to BBC Jersey highlighted frustration over lengthy hospital waiting lists, the rising cost of healthcare and concerns about toxic PFAS chemicals discovered in parts of the island.

During a visit to Grève de Lecq as part of the broadcaster’s election roadshow, several islanders said the health service remained under strain, with particular concern over delays for operations and difficulties recruiting medical staff.

Official figures show that, as of 30 April 2026, more than 3,600 patients were waiting for elective hospital treatment across Jersey, with a median wait time of 20 weeks.

Some residents said the island’s high cost of living was making it harder to attract and retain nurses and doctors, despite plans for a new hospital. Others questioned whether public spending on healthcare was delivering sufficient value.

Childcare affordability was also raised as a major issue for younger families. While the government recently introduced 15 hours of free nursery care for children aged two to three, some parents said the requirement to pay costs upfront before reclaiming the money could leave lower-income families struggling.

Voters also expressed concern about PFAS contamination linked to firefighting foam previously used at Jersey Airport’s training ground. The chemicals leaked into some nearby private water supplies and have remained a contentious issue for affected communities.

Campaigners say contamination remains a particular worry in rural areas with significant agricultural activity and are calling on the next States Assembly to prioritise further action, including measures to improve water filtration in schools.

Jersey Water has maintained that drinking water continues to meet regulatory standards, while an independent scientific panel previously concluded PFAS levels in Jersey’s water supply were lower than in many other parts of the world.

Jersey’s election is scheduled to take place on 7 June.